Arizona politicians react to U.S. strikes on Iran

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Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is killed in Israeli strike, ending 36-year iron rule

Jackie Northam, James Hider, Peter Kenyon

Khamenei, the Islamic Republic's second supreme leader, has been killed. He had held power since 1989, guiding Iran through difficult times — and overseeing the violent suppression of dissent.

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In the hours since the U.S. and Israel launched an attack on Iran, members of Arizona’s congressional delegation have been issuing statements about the military action.

Reactions to President Donald Trump’s Operation Epic Fury have so far been split along party lines, with Republican members expressing support for the commander in chief, and Democrats speaking out against the Trump administration’s unilateral decision to strike in the Middle East.

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Arizona Rep. Yassamin Ansari

Among the latter is Democratic Rep. Yassamin Ansari, the child of Iranian immigrants who fled the Islamic Republic. In a statement posted to X, she acknowledged the “brutal, corrupt regime that has murdered and imprisoned its own people for decades,” and more recently the “tens of thousands of Iranians have been killed, tortured, or disappeared for daring to demand freedom.”

At the same time, Ansari expressed concern about President Donald Trump authorizing strikes on Iran without congressional approval.

“Military action carries profound and deadly consequences for American servicemembers, Iranian civilians, regional stability, and the future of an entire nation,” Ansari’s statement said. “Donald Trump has specifically said Americans and innocent Iranians will die in this conflict, yet he has not shared a real, comprehensive plan with Congress or a justification with the American people.

“I want a free Iran and a future of democracy and dignity for the Iranian people. I also want American troops to be safe. Those goals must be part of a coherent strategy that does not risk chaos or another endless war in the Middle East and require seriousness and leadership equal to the stakes.”

Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego

In a post on X moments after Trump announced news of the strikes, Sen. Ruben Gallego expressed dismay, writing that the U.S. “can support the democracy movement and the Iranian people without sending our troops to die.” Gallego is a Marine Corps combat veteran who fought in Iraq. Gallego later issued this statement:

“President Trump promised no more forever wars. Instead, he has illegally dragged us into another one without congressional authorization and no long term strategy. This is not leadership. The American people deserve answers. And our troops deserve leaders who understand the cost of war before recklessly sending them into battle. Supporting the Iranian people does not require bombing their country and putting our troops at risk.”

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly

Sen. Mark Kelly, also a combat veteran, also released a statement on X about the strikes.

"After promising to keep America out of war and instead focus on lowering costs for families, Donald Trump has launched a large-scale military operation against Iran. We’ve seen this playbook before. Weeks of inflated claims, selective facts, and talk of imminent threats that led the American people into a war that cost thousands of American lives and trillions of taxpayer dollars."

"The United States has the most capable military in the world. I have complete confidence in our service members, and I’m praying for their safety. The question is never whether they can do the mission. It’s whether the mission makes sense and makes us safer — and what it’s going to cost."

"The Iranian people deserve freedom. They deserve the right to choose their own leaders. So, what's the plan for what comes next? I don’t think Donald Trump knows the answer, and that’s dangerous when American lives are on the line."

"When I launched on my first combat mission during Operation Desert Storm 35 years ago, I understood the mission and the end goal. So did Congress. So did the American people. That’s the minimum level of leadership this country deserves."

"And Donald Trump has failed again at that. The Senate needs to come back to Washington immediately and do its Constitutional duty."

Arizona Rep. Abe Hamadeh

Republican Rep. Abe Hamadeh, a vocal Trump supporter, initially posted this statement to social media:

“In a dangerous world we must stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies against the suicidal regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran. America First does not mean America alone. God bless our brave military men and women conducting combat operations and those in the region.”

Hours later, he amended the statement to include: "The Iranian people deserve the dignity of freedom."

Arizona Rep. Greg Stanton

Democratic Congressman Greg Stanton began his statement by expressing concern for members of the U.S. military taking part in the operation.

“My thoughts are with all U.S. service members and personnel in harm’s way, and I pray they return home safely.

"The Iranian regime has murdered Americans, violently repressed its own people, and fueled instability across the region. No one will mourn its collapse.

“But the United States cannot be dragged into another open-ended foreign war. Americans know the cost of conflicts with no clear strategy, no defined objectives, and no end in sight, and they do not want to repeat those mistakes.”

Stanton also urged for House Speaker Mike Johnson to call the U.S. House back into session so that the Trump administration can make its case for striking Iran and seek Congressional authorization.

“That is what this moment requires, and what the Constitution demands,” Stanton concluded.

Arizona Rep. Juan Ciscomani

In a statement posted to X, Republican Congressman Juan Ciscomani said the Trump administration had to respond to Iran and its escalations by force.

“Today’s action by President Trump sends a clear message: the Iranian regime’s aggression and destabilizing threats will not go unanswered. For decades, the Iranian regime has funded terror, attacked our allies, and threatened American servicemembers. President Trump and his administration have continually been seeking peace, but Iran chose escalation.

“Protecting American lives and interest must always come first. I stand with our troops and remain committed to holding this dangerous regime accountable.

“May God protect our servicemembers and bless the United States of America.”