CT lawmakers react to Trump’s strikes on Iran

HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - Connecticut leaders are speaking out after President Donald Trump launched strikes on Iran alongside Israel on Saturday morning, calling the decision dangerous and unauthorized.

After the attacks, Trump confirmed the apparent killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran responded with missiles and drones targeting Israel and U.S. military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. Trump said major combat is now underway in the region.

As Iran launches retaliatory strikes against U.S. installations in the Middle East, it’s worth noting that members of the Connecticut National Guard were deployed to Iraq and Kuwait in support of Operation Inherent Resolve just last week.

Blumenthal: Congress must demand answers

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D) also released a statement calling for Congress to return to session and act on the Iran War Powers Resolution.

“War must always be a last resort and never a first choice. The Trump Administration seems to be engaging in a war of choice that rejects opportunities for diplomacy,” Blumenthal said. “A nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable and Iran’s malign activities throughout the region pose a severe danger, but President Trump has failed to explain to the American people his objectives, end game, or exit strategy – risking another forever war.”

Blumenthal said the strikes fit a pattern of unilateral action without accountability.

“This attack fits a pattern of unilateral action without accountability to the American people. I believe that Congress should come back into session, demand answers on behalf of Americans, and act on the Iran War Powers Resolution. My foremost concern is the safety and wellbeing of the men and women in our armed forces and their families who are in harm’s way,” Blumenthal said.

DeLauro: ‘A disaster in the making’

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D) issued a statement calling the strikes a “disaster in the making.”

“President Trump’s decision, along with Israel, to launch direct military action against Iran to achieve regime change is a disaster in the making,” DeLauro said. “He is risking the lives of American personnel and the stability of the entire region, without Congressional approval and without any articulated plan. This is yet another unilateral decision from President Trump, which risks a wider war in the Middle East that the American people do not support. Americans are demanding help with the cost-of-living crisis, but President Trump would rather start another war, potentially driving up energy prices, than listen to them.”

Harding: ‘Pray for our brave service members’

Sen. Stephen Harding (R-Brookfield) released a statement, emphasizing the importance of creating a safer world.

“As a nation, we pray for our brave service members and their families. We pray for the innocent people of Iran, we pray for Israel, and we pray for a swift and decisive victory which will lead to a safer and more secure world.”

Courtney calls for War Powers vote

Rep. Joe Courtney (D) of Connecticut’s 2nd District, ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, also released a statement criticizing the strikes.

“President Trump’s decision to attack Iran to achieve ‘regime change’ without a clear mandate from the American people, Congressional authority, or UN support, is a dangerous go it alone strike that continues the policy of ‘endless war’ he promised the American people to end,” Courtney said. “After claiming in June that Operation Midnight Hammer ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear program, it is confounding to square his new claims of imminent threat to the U.S. homeland laid out in his 8-minute video from West Palm Beach last night.”

Courtney said he is a cosponsor of a pending Iran War Powers Resolution in the U.S. House, which he said will be brought to the floor this week.

“I will be monitoring developments with the House Armed Services Committee professional staff,” Courtney said.

Proto applauds Trump’s decisive action

Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Ben Proto praised President Trump’s decision.

“Today President Donald J. Trump has once again demonstrated the clarity and strength that the world so desperately needs. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our greatest ally, Israel, the United States has sent an unmistakable message to the radical regime in Tehran, the days of threatening America, American lives, and global security with nuclear blackmail are over.”

He continued to say, “While Connecticut’s Democrat delegation—led by Senators Murphy and Blumenthal—has spent their time second-guessing our commander-in-chief, trying to appease a regime bent on destroying America, opening our borders to allow terrorists to enter our country, and offering excuses for bad actors, President Trump has taken the necessary steps to eliminate imminent threats and protect our service members abroad."

Murphy: ‘A mistake of staggering scale’

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D) also released a statement, calling the strikes illegal and urging Congress to be called back into session immediately.

“Trump’s attacks on Iran are dangerously illegal and a mistake of staggering scale,” Murphy said. “Has he learned nothing from decades of U.S. military disaster in the Middle East? Has he spent not one single minute studying the lives lost and trillions wasted in Iraq and Afghanistan and Syria and Libya? The American public does not want our President dragging us into another totally unnecessary conflict in a far-off land.”

Murphy said a military strike was unnecessary given prior diplomatic options.

“A military action to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program was totally unnecessary. We had a diplomatic deal to do that. It was working until Trump — against the advice of all his advisors — tore it to shreds. Trump willfully precipitated this crisis,” Murphy said.

Murphy also raised concerns about Trump’s stated goal of regime change in Iran.

“As for Trump’s stated goal of regime change, he should be very careful what he wishes for. If he fails in his goal, it hardens Iranian resolve to make trouble for the U.S. and our allies. If it succeeds, the chances are better that an even more repressive, more anti-Israel and anti-U.S. hardline government emerges out of the rubble than a tolerant, inclusive Iranian democracy will,” Murphy said.

Murphy called on Congress to return to session and vote on the strikes.

“Congress should be called back into session this afternoon to immediately begin debate on legislation that would approve or deny the President’s illegal war against Iran. I am praying for the safety of U.S. forces today. They are being led into war by a leader who is out of control. Congress must do our constitutional duty and reign him in, before it’s too late,” Murphy said.

Eyewitness News will provide more details as soon as they become available.