NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee lawmakers are responding to President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States conducted coordinated airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites. The attacks targeted facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan as part of a broader effort to deter Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Reactions from the state’s elected officials revealed sharp partisan divides.

Republican Praise for the Strikes

Tennessee’s Republican leaders widely praised the President’s decision.

Governor Bill Lee reposted Trump’s statement and called the move “a courageous decision to seek peace through strength,” adding, “Maria and I pray earnestly for the safety of our troops across the Middle East and for the sovereignty of Israel.”

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn wrote, “@realDonaldTrump knows peace can only be achieved through strength. This is a victory for the United States,” alongside a screenshot of Trump’s post on Truth Social.

Senator Bill Hagerty echoed that sentiment: “This was a tough decision, one that, as always, President Trump put the interests of the American people first in making.” Hagerty said he hopes the strikes “lay the groundwork for lasting peace.”

Representative Diana Harshbarger expressed her support by saying, “I am proud of President Trump and our military on a successful operation to deter the spread of war in the Middle East.”

Representative Andy Ogles wrote, “We must end Iran’s nuclear ambitions and protect American lives. Praise God for a successful mission—keep praying for our country.”

Representative Mark Green said the decision was necessary to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran, which he described as a threat to “our ally Israel, the stability of the Middle East, and our own national security.”

Representative David Kustoff thanked Trump for “demonstrating strong leadership on the world stage,” stating, “Iran should never have a nuclear weapon.”

State Representatives William Lamberth and Jason Zachary also shared posts supporting the President’s decision. Zachary noted, “Much to pray for tonight, primarily peace and wisdom for our leaders.”

Democratic Criticism

Not all Tennessee leaders approved of the strikes. Senator Heidi Campbell criticized the move, writing, “He said he would keep us out of wars—honestly—how much grift is MAGA willing to imbibe? This is all for Netanyahu and Putin—devastating what he’s done to our country and our planet.”

Representative Justin Jones responded directly to Governor Lee’s praise of the strikes: “Governor, we can’t bomb our way to peace. This reckless military aggression will put many more lives in danger.”

Ongoing Fallout and Next Steps

The airstrikes—part of what officials called “Operation Midnight Hammer”—have sparked global concern and prompted immediate responses from U.S. allies and adversaries. While administration officials maintain the operation was limited and aimed solely at Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, congressional critics have raised concerns about the lack of prior authorization.

The legal and strategic implications of the strikes are expected to dominate discussions in Washington in the days ahead, with calls for formal briefings and a review of executive war powers likely to follow.