The news about strikes on Iran broke Saturday night first on President Donald Trump's Truth Social account then a White House Press news release.
Trump then addressed the nation.
A lot of politicians started weighing in. Let's look at Arkansas first.
Arkansas U.S. Senator Tom Cotton: "Iran has waged a war of terror against the United States for 46 years. We could never allow Iran to get nuclear weapons. God bless our brave troops. President Trump made the right call and the ayatollahs should recall his warning not to target Americans."
Arkansas U.S. Senator John Boozman: "Iran refused to abandon its pursuit of a nuclear weapon while the international community, under American leadership, made clear this was unacceptable. @POTUS’ order, carried out by the U.S. military, should end this ambition permanently and Iran must now choose peace."
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin on social media: "I agree with President @realDonaldTrump that Iran can never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. Our strike on Iran was targeted and will help ensure they never do. This is another reminder that U.S. leadership is needed globally and that 24/7 around the world the men and women of our armed services risk their lives to ensure our safety and freedom at home and peace abroad."
So far, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has not released a statement or posted anything on social media. Her father, Mike Huckabee, Ambassador to Israel, also has not posted a personal comment about the strikes except to repost Trump's announcement about the strikes.
[Update on Sunday morning: Sanders reposted her father's post from Trump on X with this comment: God bless President @realDonaldTrump and our military for courageously standing up for good against evil, and defending America and our ally Israel. President Trump understands what many do not - peace is achieved through strength."]
Arkansas Democrats? Crickets. National Democrats, though, have plenty to say.
Massachusetts U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren posted on X: "At a town hall earlier today, I warned that Donald Trump was dragging us into war in Iran.
Our service members have a right to know that the President of the United States values their lives and sends them into harm's way only with a clear plan.
Trump has not done that."
New York U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez posted on X: "The President’s disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers. He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations. It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment."
Bill and Hillary Clinton, no comment, and no statement from Barack Obama.
Republican and Democratic governors posted concerns about possible terrorist activity.
California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom posted on X: "Following the President’s action in Iran, California’s State Threat Assessment Center is actively monitoring for any potential impacts in California. While there are no specific or credible counter threats we are aware of at this time, we urge everyone to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity."
In New York, Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul posted on X: "My top priority is the safety of all New Yorkers.
"I am receiving intelligence briefings and closely monitoring the evolving situation in Iran alongside federal and local partners.
The New York State Police are working to protect at-risk sites and fight cyberattacks.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz posted on X: "Following the President’s decision to bomb nuclear facilities in Iran, I’ve directed our public safety teams to be on heightened alert for potential threats to Minnesota. While there’s no known threats at this time, we’ll continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly."
Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy reposted the state's Democratic Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin post on X: "As conflict in the Middle East intensifies and American armed forces become directly engaged, New Jersey’s law enforcement will maintain our already increased police presence around sensitive places, including Jewish and Muslim houses of worship, schools, and community centers.
While there is no known threat to public safety in New Jersey at this time, this increased police presence will be maintained in an abundance of caution."
It's not just Democratic governors raising alarms about being vigilant.
Republican Governor Greg Abbott of Texas posted on X: "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."
State Department website
A warning was posted Saturday, June 21, on the U.S. Department of State's website:
"Israel and the West Bank: The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem is closed on Sunday, June 22; the Consular Section will resume limited in-person operations on Monday, June 23 to provide limited validity emergency U.S. passport service to those without a valid U.S. passport. We will accept walk-ins (no appointment necessary) in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv for those in line before 8:30 a.m. There will be no regular passport or Consular Report of Birth Abroad services."
The site added: "The Department of State has begun assisted departure flights from Israel."
For Americans in Iran, this warning: "Iran airspace remains closed due to hostilities with Israel. U.S. citizens seeking to depart Iran should depart by land to Azerbaijan, Armenia, or Türkiye if they deem conditions are safe/if they can do so safely."
Read more here from the State Department.
Like what we do? See that we are different than mainstream, legacy and corporate media? Help us grow. Share our work and please consider making a one-time donation to help us keep going.
