U.S. airstrikes in Iran draw support, criticism
Long-term tensions between the United States and Iran have drastically escalated over the last week following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Khamenei was reported dead on Sunday evening by Iranian state media following air strikes landed by the U.S. and Israel, with President Donald Trump announcing hours earlier that the 86-year-old was had been killed in the joint attack.
“A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran,” Trump said in a speech on Saturday. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating eminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.”
Continuing his speech and citing what he said was Iran’s refusal to not possess nuclear weapons, Trump said, “For these reasons, the United States military has undertaken a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests. We’re going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally, again, obliterated.”
In a post on social media platform ‘X,’ U.S. representative for Florida’s 19th congressional district Byron Donalds spoke to the recent attacks, supporting the president.
“President (Trump) has acted decisively against Iran’s nuclear threat and terrorism,” Donalds wrote. “Our troops are now executing Operation Epic Fury. Erika and I pray for their safety and success. Peace is achieved through strength, not weakness. I stand with President Trump, our military, and the hope this leads to lasting security in the Middle East. God bless our troops. God bless America.”
Trump on Sunday provided another update on Sunday regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran and “Operation Epic Fury,” calling it “one of the largest, most complex, most overwhelming military offensives the world has ever seen.”
“Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved,” Trump said. “We have very strong objectives. They could have done something two weeks ago, but they just couldn’t get there.”
He addressed American fatalities which have since increased to six.
“Earlier today, CENTCOM shared the news that three U.S. military service members have been killed in action. As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives, we pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen.
“And sadly, there will likely be more. Before it ends, that’s the way it is. Likely be more. But we’ll do everything possible where that won’t be the case. But America will avenge their deaths, and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against, basically, civilization. They have waged war against civilization itself. Our resolve, and likewise that of Israel, has never been stronger.”
Locally, Commander of Harney Point VFW Post 8463, Rob Williams, said, “We support our nation and its military members. We keep all Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and their family members in our prayers.”
Throughout the state, organizations are weighing in on the ongoing conflicts that have increased since the strikes over the weekend.
The Libertarian Party of Florida strongly condemned President Trump’s military action against Iran, which they state was conducted without a formal declaration of war or explicit authorization from Congress.
“Libertarians oppose unauthorized and open-ended military intervention regardless of which party occupies the White House,” said Matt Johnson, chair of the Libertarian Party of Florida, in a release. “War must be defensive, constitutionally authorized, clearly defined, and limited in scope. Anything less endangers both American lives and American liberty.”
The Florida National Organization for Women also spoke out on a potential war with Iran.
“This is not just a foreign policy issue-it’s a human rights crisis in the making,” said Julie Kent, president of FL NOW, in a release. “We’ve seen this playbook before; fear, escalation, and the silencing of dissent. We will not allow another generation to be sacrificed to endless war.”
On Monday, Trump stated the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran would likely take “several weeks.”
Iran has also begun striking back in Israel, Lebanon, as well as the American Embassy in Saudi Arabia, according to multiple news accounts.