President Donald Trump said in a video posted on social media that the U.S. had begun “major combat operations in Iran.”
TEXAS, USA — The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday in what President Donald Trump said was a massive operation to destroy the country’s military capabilities and eliminate the threat of it creating a nuclear weapon.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said it would defend its homeland and its Revolutionary Guard said it launched counterattacks, firing drones and missiles at Israel and strikes aimed at U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.
President Donald Trump posted an eight-minute video on his Truth Social that the U.S. has begun “major combat operations in Iran.” You can watch that full video here.
In wake of the news, Texas lawmakers issued statements about the strikes (we will update this list with more as they are posted):
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (Texas)
“For too long, Iran and its tentacles of terror have destabilized the Middle East and waged war on the West and our values. With today’s strikes by U.S. forces led by our Commander-in-Chief, President Trump, there is finally an opening for these dark days to come to an end. It is my hope that the Iranian people, after years of oppression and being ignored by previous Democrat administrations, will finally be free, and I’m proud of the support being provided by President Trump and the United States. May God bless the men and women of our armed forces, our military partners, and all those who stand with us in our mission against the purveyor of terrorism and radical Islam that is the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas)
“Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States is systematically acting against American enemies who have undermined our national security since the Cold War. As the President said again this morning, the Iranian regime has been terrorizing and murdering Americans for 47 years, including innocent civilians, our servicemembers, and American leaders. The Ayatollah has repeatedly tried to assassinate President Trump. Now they are seeking nuclear weapons and the ability to hit the American homeland. Today’s action will enhance the national security of the United States and our allies. I applaud our Armed Forces, our intelligence community, and President Trump for their capabilities and resolve to eliminate these threats, and I am deeply appreciative that our Israeli allies are fighting alongside the U.S. on behalf of our mutual interests and against our mutual enemies. May God protect our servicemembers.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton:
“Thank you President Trump for your courageous leadership. For years, Iran has terrorized the world and threatened our nation’s existence, and it’s critical that the evil regime is never able to obtain a nuclear weapon. Praying for our brave men and women in uniform.”
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-30th District):
“Why is it that this President refuses to even pretend that he cares about following the law?! I’ve been stomping & telling people that this election is life or death! CONGRESS, not the PRESIDENT, but CONGRESS has the EXCLUSIVE authority to declare war! Speaker Johnson needs to call us in IMMEDIATELY & it is time for the House & the Senate to pass a war powers resolution! This is how you prove your love and respect for the constitution. This is how you show your constituents that you are truly patriots! It is time for us, collectively, as Dems and Repubs to stand up to this President. Please call your reps in the house and the senate and urge them to take a vote on a war powers resolution!”
State Rep. Michael McCaul (R-10th District):
“For 47 years, the Iranian regime has operated as the nucleus of the world’s most extensive terror network, driving instability across the Middle East and beyond. It has forged an unholy alliance with our top adversaries, arming Russia with lethal drones to massacre Ukrainians and fueling China’s military machine through illicit oil sales — all while deploying its terror proxies to sow regional chaos, attack our ally Israel, and target global commerce. President Trump is right that a regime this murderous — which chants ‘Death to America’ and despises everything our nation represents — cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. As Congress awaits a detailed briefing on the scope, duration, and objectives of this mission, one thing is clear: Our world would be far safer without the Ayatollah in power. Ultimately, the dismantling of this regime must be driven by the Iranian people, who have suffered the most under its brutal grip. Now is the time for them to rise up and seize this generational opportunity to grasp democracy, prosperity, and a future free from tyranny — knowing the United States stands firmly with them. I am closely monitoring developments on the ground and am praying for the safety of the brave American servicemembers executing this high-stakes operation and all U.S. personnel in the region. God bless them, and God bless America.”
Congressman Troy Nehls (R-22nd District):
“I support Operation Epic Fury. For far too long, the Iranian regime has chanted “Death to America” and has targeted our nation, our brave servicemen and women, and our allies. Under President Trump, we are putting a stop to this terror and are making a bold stand for our national security. The Iranian regime must be destroyed. The people of Iran must seize this moment and rise up and take back their country. Pray for our servicemembers conducting this critical mission. God bless the USA.”
Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-35th District):
“Trump has declared war on Iran without exhausting nonviolent alternatives, without a long-term plan, and without any legal authorization. Wasting billions in a destabilizing bloody conflict, even though directed at a despicable regime, he imperils the lives of Americans and innocent civilians throughout the region. Choosing war is not “peace through strength;” it only distracts from his many failures here at home. With war so much easier to get into than to get out of, every member of Congress can vote this week to restrain Trump by adopting a bipartisan war powers resolution.”
SMU Political Science Professor Matthew Wilson joined WFAA to break down the short term and long term effects of the strike:
Editor’s note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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