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Michigan politicians react to US strikes on Iran

President Donald Trump speaks from the East Room of the White House in Washington, Saturday, June 21, 2025, after the U.S. military struck three Iranian nuclear and military sites, directly joining Israel's effort to decapitate the country's nuclear program, as Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listen. (Carlos Barria/Pool via AP)
Carlos Barria/AP
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Pool Reuters
President Donald Trump speaks from the East Room of the White House in Washington, Saturday, June 21, 2025, after the U.S. military struck three Iranian nuclear and military sites, directly joining Israel's effort to decapitate the country's nuclear program, as Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listen. (Carlos Barria/Pool via AP)

The U.S. military struck three sites in Iran early Sunday, directly joining Israel ’s war aimed at decapitating the country’s nuclear program in a risky gambit to weaken a longtime foe amid Tehran’s threat of reprisals that could spark a wider regional conflict.

Addressing the nation from the White House, President Donald 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.”

Reaction from Michigan politicians began rolling in soon after Trump announced the bombings.

U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI 12) called the attack "a blatant violation of our Constitution" because Trump acted "without the consent of Congress."

"The American people do not want another forever war. We have seen where decades of endless war in the Middle East gets us. ... We are not falling for it again," she said in an emailed statement.

"Congress must act immediately to exert its war powers and stop this unconstitutional act of war," Tlaib said.

Other Democrats also expressed concerns about the lack of congressional approval. "Congress has the sole power to declare war," wrote Senator Debbie Dingell. "President Trump's decision to use military force without authorization from Congress is unconstitutional and escalates the risk of war."

"It's critical we keep American troops and civilians safe and prevent the U.S. from becoming entangled in another endless war in the Middle East," Dingell posted on the social media platform X.

Several Republican members of Michigan's congressional delegation voiced support for the strikes.

"The president has sent a clear message to the world about what peace through strength truly means," said Rep. Jack Bergmam (R-MI 1) in a post on X.

"This was not a knee-jerk response, and knowing President Trump, he has no interest in dragging America into another endless war," said Bergman, a retired Marine Corps lieutenant general.

Iran’s nuclear agency confirmed that attacks hit its Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz atomic sites, but insisted that its work will not be stopped.

Brett joined Michigan Public in December 2021 as an editor.
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