SAN ANTONIO – Numerous Texas politicians have taken to social media to express their support or opposition to the U.S. military strike on three sites in Iran, as announced by President Donald Trump on Saturday.
Trump made the announcement on social media, posting, “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.”
“All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home,” the president posted.
Addressing the nation from the White House, Trump said Iran’s key nuclear sites were “completely and fully obliterated.” He also warned Tehran against carrying out retaliatory attacks against the U.S., saying Iran has a choice between “peace or tragedy.”
Watch his address below:
The decision to involve the U.S. in the war comes after more than a week of strikes by Israel on Iran that aimed to systematically eradicate the country’s air defenses and offensive missile capabilities, while damaging its nuclear enrichment facilities.
Trump previously gave a two-week deadline to make a decision on any action the U.S. would take against Iran as their conflict with Israel continued.
The Associated Press reported that Trump said B-2 stealth bombers were used but did not specify what types of bombs were dropped.
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran confirmed that attacks took place on its Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz sites, but it insisted that its work will not be stopped.
Reactions from Texas politicians
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott
“I stand with Donald Trump and the United States of America,” Abbott said in an X post.
On Saturday night, Abbott later released the following statement:
“As we unite as a Nation, we as a state must remain vigilant to secure our homeland.
To ensure the highest level of safety in our communities, and out of an abundance of caution, Texas is elevating the readiness of our Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and Texas National Guard, increasing patrols around high-risk locations and ensuring our state is fully prepared to address any threat.
At this time, there is no need to worry. We want to keep it that way. Texas stands with America’s Commander-in-Chief. We will defend our communities and support our troops."
Congressman Joaquin Castro
“Too often Presidents mistake the initial acts of war as the conclusion to the conflict rather than the opening of a Pandora’s box. That appears to be the case with President Trump today.
These strikes on Iran are a dangerously escalatory step. The President has taken us to war with Iran with no debate, no authorization from the Congress, and no explanation to the American people.
The President and Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions risk yet another protracted war in the Middle East—a war that that the American people do not want. We must hold this administration accountable and do everything in our power to stop a larger war.”
Attorney General Ken Paxton
“Praying for wisdom for @realDonaldTrump to navigate this conflict. Iran must never attain a nuclear weapon. I trust President Trump to protect America.”
Congressman Greg Casar
“It is illegal for Donald Trump to drag America into another endless foreign war. Congress should immediately pass a War Powers Resolution to block Trump from carrying out an unconstitutional war.
My entire adult life, politicians have promised that new wars in the Middle East would be quick and easy. Then they sent other people’s children to fight and die endlessly. Enough."
U.S. Senator John Cornyn
“President Trump made the courageous and correct decision to eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat. God Bless the USA. Thank you to our extraordinary military and our indomitable @POTUS This is what leadership on the world stage looks like."
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz
“I commend our pilots and servicemembers, our intelligence personnel, President Trump, and his national security staff on tonight’s successful and critical operation,” Cruz said, in part.
Click here to read his full statement.
Texas House of Rep. Speaker Dustin Burrows
“President @realDonaldTrump has shown the strength and resolve of the United States on the world stage. Our military executed a precise and successful mission targeting key nuclear sites in Iran — a powerful message that we will never tolerate aggression or terrorism.
Texas must stand firmly behind our Commander-in-Chief, our troops, and the mission to protect American and innocent lives and defend freedom around the world. Our gratitude and prayers to our tremendous military. Peace is earned when strength is unquestioned."
U.S. Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher
“President Trump’s decision to order direct military action in Iran without authorization from Congress violates the Constitution and continues a deeply troubling pattern of actions that undermine our system of government and our efforts to protect Americans at home and around the world.
The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, not the President. It does so for a reason: to prevent any president from acting unilaterally, impulsively, or thoughtlessly when it comes to war or actions that can lead to it."
Click here to read Fletcher’s full statement.
U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia
“Donald Trump’s decision to launch strikes on Iran risks dragging the United States into another endless war in the Middle East. I pray for all of our troops, diplomats, and allies who now find themselves in harm’s way because of this reckless decision.
If Donald Trump wants to take America to war, he must do so with Congressional approval. He must also answer to the American people who now fear that our sons and daughters will be sent to fight a war nobody wants.”
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
“President @realDonaldTrump just saved America and the world from fanatical terrorists in Iran who said they would destroy America and Israel. I have never been more proud of my President. President Trump is a man of peace, but when faced with no other option, he will take the bold action needed to protect our country.
When he takes action, he allows our GREAT military to achieve ultimate and total victory over our enemies. All of America should salute our president and our military on a magnificent plan, and the spectacular execution of it, to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program. Thank you Mr. President for your bold leadership."
KSAT reached out to Joint Base San Antonio for comment to determine if there will be any impact from the conflict in San Antonio. As of Saturday night, there has been no response.
This list will be updated as more politicians release statements.
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