Arizona Rep. Yassamin Ansari calls Trump’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites ‘illegal’

PHOENIX — Arizona Rep. Yassamin Ansari said President Donald Trump acted “illegally” when the U.S. struck three nuclear sites in Iran on Saturday.

“Donald Trump illegally took military action against Iran — without congressional authorization — risking dragging us into another endless war,” the congresswoman wrote on Bluesky. “I am calling for an immediate emergency session of Congress to vote on the War Powers Resolution.”

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the president to notify Congress at least 48 hours before any military action.

Ansari, a Democrat in her first year in the House of Representatives, was born in Seattle to Iranian immigrants and was among the many members of Congress enflamed by the strikes.

Mark Kelly, Ruben Gallego and other Arizona lawmakers react to Iran strikes

Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego fell back on their extensive military backgrounds, with Kelly expressing worry that “folks without combat experience are often the first to rush into dropping a bomb.”

I know how difficult an operation like this is to pull off, and thank our military members and intel community for their patriotism and professionalism.

As a combat pilot, I’ve noticed that folks without combat experience are often the first to rush into dropping a bomb. I’m…

— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) June 22, 2025

Gallego said he saw “needless” deaths firsthand in Iraq and is yet to see evidence of how the Iranian strikes reinforced national security.

“President Trump must immediately show why tonight’s strikes were necessary,” Gallego wrote on X. “Without that evidence, President Trump’s bombing of Iran risks the lives of Americans, both civilians at home and our servicemembers in the Middle East.”

Rep. Greg Stanton joined in questioning Trump’s decision as a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

“(Trump) failed to present clear and compelling evidence or come to Congress for authorization,” Stanton wrote on X. “President Trump promised, ‘I’m not going to start a war’ and ‘Great nations do not fight endless wars.’ That promise is now broken.

“President Trump must immediately reassure the American people of how he will protect the safety of our troops and allies in the region and move us toward de-escalation and ultimately peace.”

Republican Rep. Andy Biggs, meanwhile, stood by the decision, saying, “We thank God that Donald Trump is our President — we pray for his preservation, wisdom and discernment. … I’m grateful our troops made it out of the Middle East safely. Iran must come back to the negotiating table.”

Fellow Republican Juan Ciscomani said Trump, “made the right decision to execute a successful strike on Iran’s lethal nuclear weapons sites.”

Other notable lawmakers to speak out against Iran strikes

Sen. Bernie Sanders learned about the strikes while at a rally in Oklahoma, where he read part of Trump’s statement for the crowd. It was followed by chants of “no more war!”

“Not only is this news that I’ve just heard alarming … but it is so grossly unconstitutional,” Sanders said at the rally. “All of you know that the only entity that can take this country to war is the U.S. Congress. The president does not have the right.”

Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican, also called the strikes “unconstitutional” on X.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one of the most outspoken progressive Democrats, went a step further and said the decision was “clearly grounds for impeachment.”

The President’s disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers.

He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations.

It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) June 22, 2025

Related

Arizona opens $1 million in recycling grants for businesses, schools and local governmentsUFC, WWE and PBR announce 7 events coming to Phoenix area as part of landmark dealSAFE Alert issued for man last seen at grocery store in PhoenixSAFE Alert for nonverbal Phoenix 23-year-old man canceled after he was locatedGov. Katie Hobbs would consider sharing data with federal government to fight healthcare fraudArizona police operation leads to 5 men being arrested for luring minor for sexual exploitation