State, local leaders react after US, Israel launch a major attack on Iran

PHOENIX — State and local leaders reacted Saturday after the United States and Israel launched a major attack on Iran.

U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari (Democrat), a daughter of Iranian immigrants who fled Iran, released her own statement, writing, “I have no sympathy for regime officials or the military apparatus that carries out these atrocities.

“I know personally what its violence means. Members of our family and friends were brutalized and murdered by the Islamic Republic. I carry that history with me every day.”

Rep. Ansari Statement on United States Attack on Iran. pic.twitter.com/zaWoxEyeEm

— Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (@RepYassAnsari) February 28, 2026

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D) went after President Donald Trump online, calling out what he deemed as hypocrisy in a series of posts on X, while also decrying war.

2012: “Watch for him to launch a strike on Iran.”

2026: Watch me.
Bombs are falling. Hypocrisy is real. https://t.co/gueHelOXNc

— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) February 28, 2026

Donald Trump just took our country to war and told the American people to expect casualties.

A draft-dodger who’s never worn a uniform is now risking the lives of working-class kids. I lost friends in Iraq. This isn’t leadership. It’s reckless war. We can back freedom in Iran… https://t.co/AuSrjBu1tA

— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) February 28, 2026

I lost friends in Iraq. War is not a slogan — it is a burden carried by young Americans and the families who love them. We must never forget that cost.

We can support freedom abroad without sending another generation into a forever war. pic.twitter.com/5Sn9ZX6nvh

— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) February 28, 2026

Trump ran on exposing the pedophiles and stopping wars. Trump is now protecting the pedophiles and starting wars. #maga

— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) February 28, 2026

Arizona Sen. Warren Peterson (Republican) went back at Gallego and demanded freedom for Iran in a series of posts writing, “Time to stand with freedom, not oppressors.”

Disappointed once again to see our Senator
Ruben Gallego align with Ilhan Omar in defending an evil regime that has murdered tens of thousands of its own citizens. They prioritize criminals and illegals over Americans, Israelis, and the Iranian people suffering under tyranny.… https://t.co/Ervhe5HmK0

— Warren Petersen (@votewarren) February 28, 2026

In case you missed it. Gallego deleted a tweet and has now shifted his narrative a bit. He sees that the people are firmly with Trump’s action to free Iran. So now he will just look like a whiner. #FreeIran https://t.co/h8zdJwEVMh

— Warren Petersen (@votewarren) February 28, 2026

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D) posted his own statement, questioning Trump’s plan and whether the mission makes sense.

After promising to keep America out of war and instead focus on lowering costs for families, Donald Trump has launched a large-scale military operation against Iran.

We’ve seen this playbook before. Weeks of inflated claims, selective facts, and talk of imminent threats that led…

— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) February 28, 2026

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton (D) called on Speaker Mike Johnson to “immediately bring the House back into session,” while noting the ramifications of a war with Iran.

My thoughts are with all U.S. service members and personnel in harm’s way, and I pray they return home safely.

The Iranian regime has murdered Americans, violently repressed its own people, and fueled instability across the region. No one will mourn its collapse.

But the United…

— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) February 28, 2026

U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R) later released a statement, asking for Kelly and Gallego to pass full funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

With tensions rising in the Middle East and Iran continuing to threaten global security, this is no time for partisan politics.

The time is now for Arizona’s Senators @SenMarkKelly and @SenRubenGallego to do the right thing and pass full funding for the Department of Homeland…

— Congressman Juan Ciscomani (@RepCiscomani) February 28, 2026

U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R) asked for Americans to “stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies” against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In a dangerous world we must stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies against the suicidal regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran. America First does not mean America alone.

God bless our brave military men and women conducting combat operations and those in the region. 🇺🇸

— Abe Hamadeh (@AbrahamHamadeh) February 28, 2026

Former Sheriff of Maricopa County Joe Arpaio (R) posted a prayer for peace on X.

In these difficult times, I pray for peace and stability.

God bless and protect the American people!🇺🇸

— Sheriff Joe Arpaio (@RealSheriffJoe) February 28, 2026

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