Republicans praise Iran strikes

EAST TEXAS — East Texas GOP leaders are voicing strong support for U.S. military strikes against Iran, calling the action necessary to confront terrorism, protect American national security and stand alongside Israel as tensions escalate in the Middle East. According to our news partner KETK, U.S. officials say the strikes, that were carried out in coordination with Israel, targeted Iranian military infrastructure to deter future attacks linked to Iran-backed forces.

The action follows months of increasing regional conflict, threats against U.S. and allied interests, and concerns over Iran’s alleged nuclear ambitions. The operation, called Operation Epic Fury, prompted swift reactions from lawmakers nationwide, including East Texas leaders who voiced support and concern for deployed U.S. troops.

U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran, who represents parts of East Texas, said he supports the military response and called Iran a continued threat to the United States and its allies.

“I support the decisive actions taken by the United States military, in coordination with Israel (and now supported by many countries in the Middle East region), to confront the Iranian regime’s escalating aggression and continued pursuit of nuclear capability. Iran remains the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism and a major threat to the U.S.—funding proxy militias, threatening our allies, and pursuing nuclear capabilities while openly chanting ‘Death to America.’” Moran said.

Moran also expressed support for American troops and civilians affected by the conflict, saying, “In the meantime, we pray for the safety and security of our troops who are currently engaged; for an overwhelming and expeditious victory; for the Iranian people who now have a chance to choose freedom and build their own future; and for the protection of innocent lives throughout the region.”
Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also praised the military action following the launch of strikes.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States is systematically acting against American enemies who have undermined our national security since the Cold War. As the President said again this morning, the Iranian regime has been terrorizing and murdering Americans for 47 years, including innocent civilians, our servicemembers, and American leaders. The Ayatollah has repeatedly tried to assassinate President Trump. Now they are seeking nuclear weapons and the ability to hit the American homeland,” Cruz said.

He continued, “Today’s action will enhance the national security of the United States and our allies. I applaud our Armed Forces, our intelligence community, and President Trump for their capabilities and resolve to eliminate these threats, and I am deeply appreciative that our Israeli allies are fighting alongside the U.S. on behalf of our mutual interests and against our mutual enemies. May God protect our servicemembers.”

Sen. John Cornyn also released a statement supporting the strikes conducted during Operation Epic Fury.
“For too long, Iran and its tentacles of terror have destabilized the Middle East and waged an all-out assault on the West and our values. With today’s strikes by U.S. forces led by our Commander-in-Chief, President Trump, there is finally an opening for these dark days to come to an end,” Cornyn said.

“It is my hope that the Iranian people, after years of oppression and being ignored by previous Democrat administrations, will finally be free, and I’m proud of the support being provided by President Trump and the United States.”

He added, “May God bless the men and women of our armed forces, our Israeli military partners, and all those who stand with us in our mission against the purveyor of terrorism and radical Islam that is the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

The strikes signal a major escalation in U.S. involvement in regional tensions involving Iran and Israel, raising concerns among international observers about the potential for wider conflict across the Middle East. Lawmakers emphasized the importance of protecting American troops and allies while monitoring developments closely as Congress awaits further briefings.