FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — On Saturday, we talked about neighbors in Fresno voicing their outrage against the attacks on Iran.
But on Sunday, locals were dancing and cheering for Iran.
Music and joy filled the streets of Blackstone and Nees Avenues, as well as signs thanking President Trump for aiding in the attacks that killed the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Mehdi Ghajar talked to FOX26 from the rally, saying, “From every age, from the age of two to the age of 86, we’re all united for a better future under a secular democracy and a transition under Prince Reza Palafi.”
Locals celebrate attack on Iran (FOX26)
Celebrations could be seen across California on Saturday and Sunday.
Los Angeles is home to one of the world’s largest populations of Iranians outside Iran.
Thousands of people flooded the streets of LA waving flags and thank you signs to President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Central Valley Congressman Vince Fong shared his thoughts about the attack.
In a post to X, the congressman said, “For decades the Iranian regime has pursued nuclear weapons, funded terror through proxy groups including Hamas and Hezbollah, and threatened u-s national security.”
He says that the administration exhausted diplomatic options before taking action, and that Iran is now facing consequences.
He adds that he stands firmly with US service members carrying out the operation and is praying for their safety and for their families.
Congressman David Valadao also took to X writing, “With the confirmed death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, now is the time for the Iranian people to fight for their freedom. I commend President Trump for taking decisive action and pray for our brave men and women throughout the region working to keep us all safe.”
On the other side of the aisle, Democrat Sentator Alex Padilla criticized the president for launching strikes against Iran without congressional approval.
The senator calls the strikes “risky” for American lives and says they come without a clear justification or a plan to prevent escalation and chaos in the region.
He also added, “At a time when millions of hardworking families face higher costs of living and skyrocketing health care to pay for tax breaks for billionaires… Donald Trump is now pushing the country toward a war that risks American lives…”
He notes that while the Iranian regime poses risks, including state-sponsored terrorism and nuclear ambitions, any military action must be transparent and approved by Congress.
He urges republican members of Congress to join Democrats in holding the administration accountable and reasserting Congress’s constitutional role in foreign policy decisions.
Now, even though the US carried out major military strikes with Israel against Iran, the US has not formally declared war.
That’s a declaration only Congress can make.
Instead, President Trump used the War Powers Act of 1973, which grants the executive branch the ability to deploy troops for a limited time.
It does, however, require the deployment to end after 60 days unless granted congressional approval.
The law also creates a mechanism for Congress to force an immediate withdrawal.
Every president since Gerald Ford has used the resolution to initiate or justify military actions in conflicts.