KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Story courtesy of 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.
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.”
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.”
Sen. Marsha Blackburn said it’s “time to end the reign of terror.”
In a later post, Blackburn said Trump “is sending a strong message to every enemy to the United States.”
Sen. Bill Hagerty said it “was an operation driven by one clear objective: securing peace through strength.”
Rep. Andy Ogles asked for prayers for American troops and the people of Iran.
Rep. Tim Burchett asked for prayers, adding the “Iranian people deserve a chance at freedom.”
Rep. Chuck Fleischmann said Trump “will always defend America’s national security and interests.”
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.”
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.
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.”
Rep. David Kustoff said a response became unavoidable.
Rep. Steve Cohen said the priority “should be strengthening America at home – not starting another war abroad.”
