Local leaders react to military combat operation in Iran

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The United States and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, with President Donald Trump calling on the Iranian public to “seize control of your destiny” and rise up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled the nation since 1979.

Local leaders are giving their reactions to the combat operation in Iran.

Rep. Buddy Carter:

“President Trump acted squarely within his constitutional authority to strike Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, responsible for the oppression and murder of thousands of its own people. Iran was given every opportunity to choose diplomacy, with President Trump leaving the door to peace wide open. Instead, Iran would rather spread its poisonous, incompatible ideology rooted in extreme hatred. Any country that chants ‘death to America’ will never obtain nuclear weapons, certainly not on President Trump’s watch. America, our allies, and the world are safer because of this President. May God bless and protect the United States military.” 

Rep. Buddy Carter

Rep. Nancy Mace:

“The Iranian regime has slaughtered thousands of its own people in recent days - men, women, and children - whose only crime was asking for freedom. Tyrants and terrorists everywhere should take note: the world is watching. History is watching. We must not forget what is… pic.twitter.com/SCQjmhtNLs

— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) February 28, 2026

Chris Carr, Candidate for Georgia Governor:

A nuclear-armed Iran is a threat to the U.S. and the world, and Iran is the leading state sponsor of terrorism. America will defend our people, our freedoms and our allies. Praying for the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.

— Chris Carr (@ChrisCarr_Ga) February 28, 2026

Rep. Mike Collins:

Under President Trump, the United States will no longer stand idly by while our enemies plot against us and chant “Death to America.”

My prayers are with our brave warfighters as they work to rid the world of the largest state sponsor of global terror and protect America from…

— Rep. Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) February 28, 2026

Derek Dooley, Candidate for Georgia Senator:

I’ll never forget being 10 years old and watching the Islamic regime storm our embassy, burn our flag, and chant “Death to America.”

Forty-seven years later, they are still funding terror around the world, oppressing their own people, and pursuing their goal of destroying… https://t.co/3PangHp6eD

— Derek Dooley (@DerekDooleyGA) February 28, 2026

Sen. Raphael Warnock:

“Americans have long been weary of forever wars in the Middle East and the painful lessons that should have already been learned.

The Trump administration’s dramatic and deadly escalation in Iran risks yet another sad chapter of decades-long entanglements. Given the lack of a clear plan, it risks increased instability in the region while endangering American troops and harming America’s national security.

A wider regional conflict would not make us safer, it would increase instability and uncertainty at a moment when our focus should be on the pressing problems we face at home.

Let’s be clear: the Iranian regime is brutal and destabilizing. It cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. But the President has not explained why diplomatic talks that were underway this week are no longer viable and diplomacy no longer available. Instead, he has said in word and deed that this is war, a power that the constitution reserves for Congress alone.

The United States of America is a democracy and no President has the right to declare war or to drag the nation into war. Congress should return to session immediately to debate the use of force as is our solemn duty. The American people deserve answers and a voice through their elected representatives.

God bless our troops as they keep their oath. We, the people’s elected representatives must keep ours.

I pray for peace.”

Sen. Raphael Warnock

Mayra Rivera-Vázquez, candidate for Congress in South Carolina’s First District:

The reckless decision by Donald Trump to launch military strikes against Iran is deeply irresponsible and dangerous,” said Rivera-Vázquez. “Rather than promoting peace and stability, this escalation threatens more loss of life, destabilizes the region, and puts American service members and American citizens in harm’s way.

Instead of serving as a check on executive overreach, Nancy Mace and the Republican Congress have once again chosen silence and political loyalty over their constitutional responsibility. Congress does not exist to rubber-stamp dangerous decisions — it exists to debate them, to scrutinize them, and to protect the American people.

We should be using every diplomatic tool at our disposal — not resorting to violence that can spiral into a wider conflict. Our priority must be protecting our communities here at home, investing in jobs, healthcare, and education, and avoiding unnecessary wars that cost countless lives and trillions of dollars.

I stand with the majority of Americans who are tired of endless wars. It is time for Congress to assert its constitutional role and ensure that decisions about war and peace are made with transparency, accountability, and the best interests of the American people at heart.”

Mayra Rivera-Vázquez

Gov. Brian Kemp:

Please join us in keeping our Armed Forces in our prayers.

— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) February 28, 2026

Sen. Lindsey Graham:

I just listened to President Trump’s 8 minute speech again, describing what is taking place and urging the Iranian people to seize the moment. His speech will go down in history as the catalyst for the most historic change in the Middle East in a thousand years. I echo President Trump’s call to the Iranian military, IRGC and security forces to lay down their arms. I echo his call to the Iranian people to take back their government. President Trump was right when he said he’s the first president in 47 years to stand with the people of Iran and give them the backing they need. I am confident this operation will be successful and the liberation of the long suffering people of Iran is at hand. From their liberation the path toward peace and prosperity for the region and throughout the world will be long and wide. Again, well done Mr. President.

Sen. Lindsey Graham

This story will be updated with more reactions as they are made available. Stick with WTOC for updates.