Florida Politicians React To Iran Attack

Many of Florida’s candidates and elected leaders are issuing statements on the attack on Iran on Saturday.

Here are some of them:

Federal officials

— U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody: “For decades, this evil Iranian regime has called for the death of America, the destruction of the West, terrorized its own people and others, and caused fear and instability in the region. When someone says they want to destroy you, you should listen, and we have a President that did just that. Today, all Americans should be praying for the success and the safety of our servicemen and women.”

— U.S. Sen. Rick Scott: “The days of the evil Iranian regime chanting ‘Death to America,’ threatening the very existence of our country and our allies, and oppressing its people are over. Thank you, President Donald Trump, for your strong leadership. God bless War Secretary Pete Hegseth and the brave men and women in our military. Operation Epic Fury is peace through strength on full display, and a reminder to our friends and our enemies: The U.S. will ALWAYS put AMERICA FIRST. We will always stand with our friend, Israel, and we will NEVER allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”

— U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean: “God bless our brave warfighters, and thank you, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, for your bold leadership. Operation Epic Fury is peace through strength in action, and sends an unmistakable message: AMERICA FIRST, always. The United States stands with our ally Israel, and we will not allow Iran’s hostile regime to gain nuclear power.

— U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan: “Please join Sandy and I in praying for our brave servicemembers carrying out Operation Epic Fury.”

— U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart: “For nearly five decades, Iranians have endured repression, violence, and torture at the hands of the evil Iranian regime — a regime that exports terrorism, brutally suppresses dissent at home, and openly threatens the United States and our allies. I commend President Trump for standing in solidarity with the brave Iranian people, who continue to demand freedom, dignity, and basic human rights despite ruthless crackdowns. Hundreds of protesters have been killed simply for exercising those rights. Americans and the world are safer because of President Trump’s leadership and maximum pressure strategy, including the removal of terrorist Qasem Soleimani and last year’s decisive action to obliterate Iran’s nuclear sites–demonstrating that deterrence and strength, not appeasement, will lead to a safer and more secure future for all.”

— U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost: “Congress must reconvene immediately to vote on a War Powers Resolution to stop Trump’s illegal and dangerous war. We know what comes next: instability, innocent death, our troops risking their lives, and chaos. These regime change wars do not work. We can support the people of Iran without bombing them. Just days ago, Trump was already misrepresenting what his own generals were telling him, including warnings about the high risk of American casualties. The American people deserve the truth, especially as innocent civilians are already dying and U.S. service members are being put in harm’s way. Whether this is about politics, oil, shielding himself from scandal, or backing Benjamin Netanyahu, one thing is clear: this is an unnecessary war of choice, launched without transparency or accountability.”

— U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds: “(Trump) has acted decisively against Iran’s nuclear threat and terrorism. Our troops are now executing Operation Epic Fury. Erika and I pray for their safety and success. Peace is achieved through strength, not weakness. I stand with President Trump, our military, and the hope this leads to lasting security in the Middle East. God bless our troops. God bless America.

— U.S. Rep. Randy Fine: “We are with you, Mr. President. We will cut off the head of the snake of Muslim terror, Bring lasting peace to the Middle East, And save the Iranian People. Bombs away.”

“The Muslim terrorists that run Iran have just indiscriminately fired rockets not just at the Jews of Israel, but 700,000 Americans who live there, 180,000 Christians who live there, at the ‘Dome of the Rock,’  the third holiest site in Islam, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, site of Jesus’s crucification. We are fighting back against this evil. To save Western Civilization. We will win.”

— U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez: “The collapse of the regime in #Iran would be one of the greatest geopolitical victories of our time. It would entirely shift the balance of power on the global stage & turn a longtime foe into an ally & friend of the West. The only way to peace is total victory!”

— U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos: “President Donald Trump and Secretary Marco Rubio have proven time and time again that peace is best achieved through strength. Today’s action is in response to the recognition that since 1979 the Iranian regime has called for the “death of America” and continue to terrorize their own citizens. Please pray for the success and the safety of our troops under the capable leadership of Secretary Pete Hegseth.”

— U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna: “Hold our country in prayer right now. Hold our service members and their families in prayer right now. Hold the innocent people of Iran in prayer right now.”

— U.S. Rep. Cory Mills: “Only way Iran could ever be free was eliminating head of the snake and return Iran to its former state before its Islamic regime takeover 47 years ago.”

— U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis: “The United States demonstrated unmistakable strength with decisive military action against Iran. For decades, the Iranian regime has been an adversary of America while oppressing its own people. Under the leadership of President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary Hegseth, the message is clear. America will defend its interests, its allies, and global stability. This is peace through strength in action.”

— U.S. Rep. John Rutherford: “The Iranian regime has set the table for Operation Epic Furry through their forty-seven years of state sponsored terrorism and murder of American citizens. The Iranian regime has continued their pursuit of “death to America” through their continued development of nuclear weapons capable of striking America. Tens of thousands of Iranian people have been violently murdered by the Iranian regime for seeking freedom and basic human rights. It’s clear: this evil regime seeks to kill and must be obliterated. The President, and many before him, have given Iran every opportunity to make a deal for peace to end this long conflict, but the Iranian regime has time and time again refused. Now, the hour of freedom is at hand. For the freedom of the Iranian people, and the safety and security of the entire world, I stand behind President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and our U.S. military servicemen and women.”

— U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar: “May God protect our troops from all evil, shield them with His mighty hand, and guide them with courage and strength. I am praying for their safety, their mission, and their safe return home. America stands with our warriors … Our actions against the Iranian regime have been decisive and necessary to protect American lives and our national security. We are dismantling their nuclear program, crippling their ballistic missile capabilities, and holding accountable those who for decades chanted ‘Death to America’ and butchered more than 30,000 brave Iranians just one month ago. A regime like that has no legitimacy.”

— U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster: “The Iranian regime has time and again proven itself to be in opposition to U.S. interests, values, and security. I have long agreed with (the President) that Iran cannot possess a nuclear weapon. President Trump afforded the Iranian regime opportunity to secure a deal, but the regime again crossed the President’s redline.  May God be with the brave men and women of the United States military.”

State officials

— Lt. Gov. Jay Collins: “God bless our nation’s warriors who once more have stepped into the breach. Guide them and keep them safe. We are the greatest nation on earth because good men and women fight for freedom, liberty, and defend the American way. God bless our troops as they once again take the fight to the enemy with strength and determination unlike any other fighting force on Earth.”

— Attorney General James Uthmeier: “May God bless and watch over our brave military.”

— State Sen. Danny Burgess: “President Trump once again showed the courage this moment demanded. Leadership is tested in moments of consequence. By acting boldly in Operation Epic Fury, America (along with our Israeli allies) is dedicated to the long-term goal of regional stability. This operation represents more than a tactical success; it signals a renewed commitment to real and lasting peace in the Middle East. Pray for our men and women in uniform. Pray for Israel. Pray for the Iranian people to rise up and seize this opportunity for their future.”

— State Sen. Shevrin Jones: “Criticizing Iran’s regime and defending the U.S. Constitution are not mutually exclusive. Iran’s human rights abuses, its repression of protesters, and its support of terrorism are well documented and deeply troubling. The Iranian people deserve freedom and dignity. But acknowledging that does not eliminate Congress’s constitutional role in authorizing war. We can condemn authoritarian regimes abroad and still insist that American presidents follow constitutional process at home. In fact, that’s what separates us from them.”

— State Sen. Keith Truenow: “To the men and women in uniform: we see you, we honor you, and we are praying for you. May God protect you in every moment and may your service help secure lasting peace and real freedom in the region. Your commitment reminds the world that America stands for more than power, we stand for principle, strength, and freedom.”

— State Rep. Adam Anderson: “As our troops carry out their mission, we stand firmly behind them. I’m praying for their safety and strength, and for people all over the region who long for freedom and a future free from oppression. May liberty rise. May this moment mark a turning point toward freedom, opportunity, and self-determination.”

— State Rep. Tom Fabricio: “Laura and I are keeping all of our brave troops who are in harm’s way in our prayers. May God protect them, strengthen them, and bring them safely home to their families. We stand with you.”

— State Rep. Danny Nix: “We have American men and women in harms way, and they represent the very best of our nation. Please join me in praying for the American troops deployed right now. May they be shielded from harm and guided in every decision. May their efforts help bring stability and peace to a region that has known too much turmoil.”

— State Rep. Toby Overdorf: “Today we stand unapologetically behind the men and women of the United States military, the most capable and courageous fighting force the world has ever known. I’m praying for their protection, their strength, and decisive success in their mission. May their actions weaken tyranny, strengthen freedom, and give the Iranian people and the entire region a real chance at peace and freedom. God bless our troops, and may liberty prevail.”

— State Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka: “Praying for our troops as they fight for freedom.”

— State Rep. Juan Porras: “This administration unlike any other has taken necessary steps to defend American lives and protect our national security. We are dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities and standing with the Iranian people who want freedom, and I commend President Trump for his strong leadership. I will keep watching this closely and I pray for our troops and our nation.

— State Rep. Michelle Salzman: “Our troops represent the very best of America, courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to liberty. I’m praying for their protection tonight and for a future where tyranny gives way to hope and stability.’ May their mission bring clarity in chaos and strength where it is needed most. Stability in that region is in the interest of the entire world.”

Other notables

— Florida GOP Chair Evan Power: “God Bless the men and women of our armed forces that are in harm’s way.”

— Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried: “Today, Americans awoke to the news that in the middle of the night, President Trump authorized an invasion of Iran and set off a chain of international events that puts the United States on the precipice of war.”

“The Ayatollah has led an evil regime that has crushed the human rights of Iranians, escalated tensions in the area for decades, and sponsored terrorism around the globe. American troops, however, deserve better than a commander in chief that believes he is above accountability and the rule of law. Without any Congressional oversight or approval, Trump’s reckless actions have directly violated our Constitution and will lead to the deaths of U.S. soldiers and civilians abroad. Trump’s decisions today have made our world less stable and America less safe for decades to come.

At a time when Americans are struggling with the price of food, healthcare, and housing, Donald Trump is sending our young people to war. The attacks on Iran do not put America first. They do not provide for the common defense, and it’s not what the people of our country deserve or want. Americans have the right to transparency, a clearly defined strategy, and to have their voices heard–not to be thrown into another endless war.”

— U.S. Senate candidate Alex Vindman: “The Iranian regime is evil. For nearly half a century, it has inflicted death and destruction on Americans and our allies. I know that firsthand. I was wounded by an Iranian-made bomb while serving in Iraq. I also know this: wars without a plan are dangerous. Forever wars drain American strength, put our troops at risk without clear purpose, distract from real strategic priorities, and divert resources we should be investing at home. With American troops in harm’s way, the President owes Congress and the American people immediate answers. What is the mission? What is the strategy? What is the end state? The Constitution requires it.”

— Gubernatorial candidate David Jolly: “This President enters war without the broad confidence of the American people and with a cabinet largely unqualified. He lacks the clear support of Congress or our allies, and lacks the unity of the nation he leads. We now pray for the safety of our troops and a swift end to conflict, as we likewise pray for a successful outcome from our operations – a more stable region and world, a reduced nuclear threat, and a fuller embrace of freedom abroad.”

— Gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner: “The Iranian regime has been the key state sponsor of terror and a threat to Americans since it came to power in 1979. President Trump has recognized that they intend to pursue nuclear weapons unless the leadership is removed. We are praying for swift and decisive victory.”

“Today, our prayers are with our U.S. troops as they carry out the orders of President Trump in Operation Epic Fury. As a U.S. Navy veteran who served two tours in combat operations in the Middle East, I know firsthand that the threat from Iran is real and that this regime has cost us many American lives. Peace through strength is the best approach. It is the only thing the radicalized Muslim regimes understand.  God bless our commanders, our troops, and the U.S.A.”