How have US politicians reacted to the attack on Iran?

Republicans largely rally behind Trump’s strikes on Iran, while Democrats fail to offer singular message of opposition.Published On 28 Feb 2026Figures from across the United States political spectrum have reacted to President Donald Trump’s joint attack with Israel on Iran, with Republicans largely expressing support and Democrats failing to offer a robust and unified response.The attacks have reportedly killed at least 201 people, including more than 80 in a school in southern Iran, many of them children.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Nine months after 12-day war, US, Israel seek to topple Iran’s leaderslist 2 of 3Iran, US, Israel officials give civilians clashing directives as bombs droplist 3 of 3Iran confirms Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dead after US-Israeli attacksend of listIran has launched retaliatory strikes on Israel as well as US bases across the region, located in countries such as Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kuwait, prompting fears that the conflict could spiral out of control and plunge the region into violence.An initial YouGov poll conducted on February 28, after the strikes, suggested that 33 percent of US adults approved of the US attacking Iran, while 45 percent disapproved. Among Democrats and Independents, approval was just 10 percent and 21 percent, respectively, while 68 percent of Republicans expressed support.Here’s how some of the US’s most prominent elected representatives and political figures have reacted.President Donald Trump: “A short time ago, the United States military started major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.”Republican House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson: “Today, Iran is facing the severe consequences of its evil actions. President Trump and the Administration have made every effort to pursue peaceful and diplomatic solutions in response to the Iranian regime’s sustained nuclear ambitions and development, terrorism, and the murder of Americans—and even their own people.”