Tennessee leaders react to US, Israel strikes on Iran
Some of the first strikes on Iran appeared to hit areas around the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - In the hours after the United States and Israel launched a major attack on Iran early Saturday, Tennessee’s political leaders took to social media to share their thoughts.
Some of the first strikes on Iran appeared to hit areas around the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Smoke could be seen rising from the capital as part of strikes that Iranian media said occurred nationwide. The move comes after American warships entered the region in the past few weeks, escalating already high tensions.
Previous Coverage: US and Israel launch a major attack on Iran. Trump urges Iranians to ‘take over’
In a video announcing the “major combat operations,” Trump told Iranians that “when we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed that goal, saying, “Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands.”
Since the attack, many Tennessee leaders have spoken out on social media.
Gov. Bill Lee said President Trump’s “unwavering commitment to lasting peace in the Middle East will secure America & Israel’s future.”
Maria and I are in prayer for our troops & allies, and we’re grateful for their heroism to preserve freedom & protect our country.
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) February 28, 2026
President Trump is right to hold the Iranian regime accountable, and his unwavering commitment to lasting peace in the Middle East will secure…
Sen. Marsha Blackburn said it’s “time to end the reign of terror.”
The Iranian regime has chanted ‘Death to America’ for decades.
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) February 28, 2026
It’s time to end the reign of terror. https://t.co/fV64T4yHr7
In a later post, Blackburn said Trump “is sending a strong message to every enemy to the United States.”
Iran is in a weaker position to respond thanks to President Trump’s leadership.
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) February 28, 2026
By crippling the largest state sponsor of terrorism, President Trump is sending a strong message to every enemy of the United States.
Sen. Bill Hagerty said it “was an operation driven by one clear objective: securing peace through strength.”
May God bless and protect our troops, the United States of America, and President Trump.
— Bill Hagerty (@BillHagertyTN) February 28, 2026
The Iranian regime has fueled and sponsored terror for decades resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands.
This was an operation driven by one clear objective: securing peace through… https://t.co/nVB6odmr24
Rep. Andy Ogles asked for prayers for American troops and the people of Iran.
Pray for our American warriors and pray for the people of Iran. Peace through strength is our credo. https://t.co/OPJ1dvKvxi
— Rep. Andy Ogles (@RepOgles) February 28, 2026
Rep. Tim Burchett asked for prayers, adding the “Iranian people deserve a chance at freedom.”
The Iranian people deserve a chance at freedom. Pray for our country, for our troops, and for the liberation of the Iranian people.
— Rep. Tim Burchett Press Office (@RepTimBurchett) February 28, 2026
Rep. Chuck Fleischmann said Trump “will always defend America’s national security and interests.”
For decades, Iran and its theocratic dictatorship have been the world's largest state sponsor of terror, threatening the United States and the peace of the world.
— Chuck Fleischmann (@RepChuck) February 28, 2026
President Trump will always defend America's national security and interests.
May God bless the men and women of…
Rep. Scott DesJarlais asked for prayers for military personnel, saying this is the beginning of “operations to cut the head off the snake of the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism.”
Please join Amy and me in praying for our military personnel abroad.
— Scott DesJarlais (@DesJarlaisTN04) February 28, 2026
My full statement⬇️ pic.twitter.com/gS0NSpwqkG
Rep. Justin Pearson said the “American people do not want more endless wars for regime change,” adding that it risks lives at home and abroad.
Trump is waging another war abroad with no legal authority or Congressional authorization.
— Justin J. Pearson (@Justinjpearson) February 28, 2026
The American people do not want more endless wars for regime change—risking lives at home and abroad.
Congress must immediately vote on a War Powers Resolution to stop this war.
Rep. John Rose said Iran “remains the world’s top state sponsor of terrorism,” adding that “Iran must NEVER be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.”
Despite decades of diplomacy, Iran remains the world’s top state sponsor of terrorism.
— Congressman John Rose (@RepJohnRose) February 28, 2026
President Trump is taking decisive action to secure our nation, our troops overseas, and our allies around the globe.
Iran must NEVER be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.
God bless our…
Rep. David Kustoff said a response became unavoidable.
For decades, the Iranian regime has led a sustained campaign of violence against the United States and our allies. It has armed proxy forces that have killed and wounded Americans, targeted our embassies and military installations, and threatened our homeland. As Iran continued…
— Rep. David Kustoff (@RepDavidKustoff) February 28, 2026
Rep. Steve Cohen said the priority “should be strengthening America at home - not starting another war abroad.”
My full statement on Trump’s attack on Iran. pic.twitter.com/OoT2RalH5x
— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) February 28, 2026
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