President Donald Trump’s announcement early Saturday that the United States, in coordination with Israel, launched airstrikes on Iran in a major military offensive across at least nine cities in the country, drew mixed reactions from Pennsylvania’s leaders.
Trump late Saturday afternoon said the strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying his death represented the “greatest chance” for Iranians to “take back the country.”
The attack followed weeks of threats from Trump, who had called on Iran to acquiesce to US demands on the country’s nuclear program.
Most Republican elected officials largely expressed support for the military escalation, while Democrats criticized Trump for endangering US troops and moving forward with a military offensive without a vote of approval from Congress.
“In going to war with Iran, the President has not adequately explained why this war is urgent now, what this military campaign may look like, or what the strategic objective is,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement. “Until a few days ago, he was seeking a deal to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program that the President himself claimed just a few months ago was completely destroyed. But today he declared that this is a war for regime change, something he said he would not pursue.”
On the other hand, Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman voiced his support for the strikes.
“President Trump has been willing to do what’s right and necessary to produce real peace in the region, Fetterman wrote on X. “God bless the United States, our great military, and Israel.”
Operation Epic Fury.
President Trump has been willing to do what’s right and necessary to produce real peace in the region.
God bless the United States, our great military, and Israel.
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) February 28, 2026
Republican Sen. Dave McCormick also voiced his support for the military escalation on X.
“For decades, the Iranian regime has killed Americans, threatened Israel and our allies in the region with their ballistic missiles and nuclear ambitions, and butchered tens of thousands of its own people. They are the world’s number one sponsor of terror,” McCormick wrote. “I am praying for our brave troops and our steadfast allies who stand with us during this challenging and noble mission.”
For decades, the Iranian regime has killed Americans, threatened Israel and our allies in the region with their ballistic missiles and nuclear ambitions, and butchered tens of thousands of its own people. They are the world’s number one sponsor of terror.
The president has given…
— Senator Dave McCormick (@SenMcCormickPA) February 28, 2026
In the Lehigh Valley, Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie praise the move, saying it would make the world safer in the long run.
“For decades, Khamenei has threatened America and killed Americans through the use of the Iranian terror network,” Mackenzie posted on X. After refusing America’s latest diplomatic entreaties, Khamenei and 40 of his top leaders have been killed. The world will become a safer place in the long run because of President Trump’s actions. As our military continues to carry out these major combat operations in Iran, we pray for our service members.”
For decades, Khamenei has threatened America and killed Americans through the use of the Iranian terror network. After refusing America’s latest diplomatic entreaties, Khamenei and 40 of his top leaders have been killed. The world will become a safer place in the long run because… https://t.co/zF4oCDJtPV
— U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (@RepMackenzie) February 28, 2026
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9th District, a strong supporter of Trump, said the moment marked a “historic turning point.”
“For nearly five decades, Iran has pursued a dangerous agenda of Shia Islamic revolution, anti-Western hostility, and nuclear armament, inflicting harm across the region and beyond,” Meuser wrote on X. “Now, through resolute action by the United States and Israel, we are drawing a firm line, offering the Iranian people and the broader Middle East a genuine opportunity for freedom, stability, and peace.”
https://x.com/RepMeuser/status/2027758291762159941
Meanwhile, activist groups were mobilizing in reaction to the strikes. Members of the Lehigh Valley Democratic Socialists of America and the LEPOCO Peace Center held an impromptu, “End Escalation against Iran” protest late Saturday afternoon at the corner of Third and Wyandotte Streets in Bethlehem.
“The action is a direct response to escalating global violence and the ongoing role of the United States in fueling militarism abroad to perpetrate their imperial geopolitical goals,” the organizations wrote in a joint press release.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Iran’s supreme leader has been killed during major attack, Trump says