Arizona leaders respond to U.S.-Israel military operations against Iran | 12news.com

PHOENIX — Arizona leaders are responding to the United States and Israel attacking Iran overnight in what is called by the Department of Defense as "Operation Epic Fury".

"Operation Epic Fury" was a massive operation intended to destroy the country's military capabilities and eliminate the threat of it creating a nuclear weapon, President Donald Trump said.

According to the Associated Press, the strikes came after Trump had pressured Tehran for a deal to constrain its nuclear program.

After the military strikes were executed, Iran retaliated, saying a missile attack targeted the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters in the island kingdom and in other places overseas.

“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," Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat and Navy Combat Veteran, said in a statement. "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."

In an eight-minute video on social media, Trump indicated the U.S. was striking for reasons far beyond the nuclear program. He listed grievances stretching back to the beginning of the Islamic Republic following a revolution in 1979 that turned Iran from one of America's closest allies in the Middle East into a fierce foe, the AP reported.

"When we are finished, take over your government," Trump told the Iranian people. "It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations."

Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat and a Marine Corps combat veteran who fought in Iraq, took to X, seeming furious over Trump's decision.

"Donald Trump just took our country to war and told the American people to expect casualties," Gallego said. "A draft-dodger who’s never worn a uniform is now risking the lives of working-class kids. I lost friends in Iraq. This isn't leadership. It's reckless war. We can back freedom in Iran without endless conflict."

Arizona Senate President Warren Peterson, a Republican, appeared to attack Gallego, saying his narrative has now shifted a bit and "he sees that the people are firmly with Trump's action to free Iran." Peterson seemed in favor in the strikes, saying #FreeIran.

12News will closely monitor responses from Arizona leaders on this developing story.

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