{"id":126501,"date":"2026-03-01T03:58:09","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T03:58:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/126501\/"},"modified":"2026-03-01T03:58:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-01T03:58:09","slug":"pa-and-lehigh-valley-leaders-react-to-us-israel-strikes-on-iran","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/126501\/","title":{"rendered":"Pa. and Lehigh Valley leaders react to US, Israel strikes on Iran"},"content":{"rendered":"

President Donald Trump\u2019s announcement early Saturday that the United States, in coordination with Israel, launched airstrikes on Iran<\/a> in a major military offensive across at least nine cities in the country, drew mixed reactions from Pennsylvania\u2019s leaders.<\/p>\n

Trump late Saturday afternoon said the strikes killed Iran\u2019s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying his death represented the \u201cgreatest chance\u201d for Iranians to \u201ctake back the country.\u201d<\/p>\n

The attack followed weeks of threats from Trump, who had called on Iran to acquiesce to US demands on the country\u2019s nuclear program.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn 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,\u201d Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement. \u201cUntil a few days ago, he was seeking a deal to dismantle Iran\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the other hand, Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman voiced his support for the strikes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cPresident Trump has been willing to do what\u2019s right and necessary to produce real peace in the region, Fetterman wrote on X. \u201cGod bless the United States, our great military, and Israel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Operation Epic Fury.<\/p>\n

President Trump has been willing to do what\u2019s right and necessary to produce real peace in the region.<\/p>\n

God bless the United States, our great military, and Israel.<\/p>\n

\u2014 U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) February 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Republican Sen. Dave McCormick also voiced his support for the military escalation on X<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor 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\u2019s number one sponsor of terror,\u201d McCormick wrote. \u201cI am praying for our brave troops and our steadfast allies who stand with us during this challenging and noble mission.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s number one sponsor of terror.<\/p>\n

The president has given\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2014 Senator Dave McCormick (@SenMcCormickPA) February 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

In the Lehigh Valley, Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie praise the move, saying it would make the world safer in the long run.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor decades, Khamenei has threatened America and killed Americans through the use of the Iranian terror network,\u201d Mackenzie posted on X<\/a>. After refusing America\u2019s 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\u2019s actions. As our military continues to carry out these major combat operations in Iran, we pray for our service members.\u201d<\/p>\n

For decades, Khamenei has threatened America and killed Americans through the use of the Iranian terror network. After refusing America\u2019s 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\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/zF4oCDJtPV<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (@RepMackenzie) February 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9th District, a strong supporter of Trump, said the moment marked a \u201chistoric turning point.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cFor 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,\u201d Meuser wrote on X. \u201cNow, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

https:\/\/x.com\/RepMeuser\/status\/2027758291762159941<\/p>\n

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, \u201cEnd Escalation against Iran\u201d protest late Saturday afternoon at the corner of Third and Wyandotte Streets in Bethlehem.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 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,\u201d the organizations wrote in a joint press release.<\/p>\n

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.<\/p>\n

Iran\u2019s supreme leader has been killed during major attack, Trump says<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t