New Jersey leaders react to the US-Israeli military strike on Iran
The strikes early Saturday morning opened a stunning new chapter in U.S. intervention in Iran and marked the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has used military force against the Islamic Republic.
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New Jersey's leaders are reacting to the news that the United States and Israel have launched attacks against Iran.
The strikes early Saturday morning opened a stunning new chapter in U.S. intervention in Iran and marked the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has used military force against the Islamic Republic.
Sen. Cory Booker released a statement on X.
Sen. Andy Kim released a statement voicing his disapproval.
Kim’s statement read in part, “President Trump has made the same dangerous and foolish decision President Bush did a generation ago. He put Americans in harm’s way without clearly showing there’s an imminent threat to our national security.”
He went on to accuse President Donald Trump of starting “a cycle of violence that has already escalated and could spiral out of control.”
Various other state officials weighed in on their opinions of the strike on Iran.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill released a statement on the strike on Iran.
"The safety and security of New Jerseyans is my number one responsibility. As a former Naval officer and member of the House Armed Services Committee in Congress, I know how seriously we must take any decision to use military force.
My office is closely monitoring the situation in Iran, Israel, and elsewhere in the Middle East. At this time, there is no known threat to New Jersey.
I am working closely with Attorney General Davenport, Acting Superintendent Hengemuhle, Director Hauck of our State's Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and law enforcement leaders throughout our state. As a precautionary measure, law enforcement will increase patrols at houses of worship and other sensitive sites.
"If you have any safety concerns, please contact local law enforcement."
U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer released a statement on the strike on Iran.
“Today, the United States, with our key democratic ally Israel, took decisive action to defend our national security, fight terror, protect our allies, and stand with the Iranian people who have been massacred in the streets for demanding freedom from the murderous Iranian regime. I applaud the extraordinary bravery and professionalism of our servicemembers and pray for their safety as Iran and its terrorist proxies retaliate against American bases and our partners in the region.
Since 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran has declared America the ‘Great Satan’ and, with cries for ‘Death to America,’ made clear its commitment to our destruction. Despite repeated diplomatic efforts, the regime has relentlessly pursued a nuclear weapon and waged a campaign of terror across the Middle East — all while its own people suffer under corruption, repression, and economic collapse.
Let me be clear: Iran is the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism and poses an existential threat to America. Tehran has armed, funded, and directed terrorist proxies responsible for killing Americans and attacking our servicemembers, military bases, and ships. That includes its backing of Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack, which murdered more than 1,200 innocent men, women, and children and resulted in the kidnapping of 251people, including 12 Americans.
I have requested an immediate classified briefing to review the scope of U.S. military operations, coordination with our allies, and the steps being taken to protect American citizens in the region.
I expect the President to comply with the War Powers Act. Congress and the appropriate committees must be fully briefed on the strategy ahead to secure American interests, protect our allies, and create the conditions for a safer and freer future for the Iranian people.
At home, I’ve been in communication with the Governor and local law enforcement about increased patrols around religious institutions to ensure the safety of our communities here in Jersey. I am grateful for the Governor’s response and vigilance during this sensitive time.
Confronting the Iranian threat is essential to America’s national security and to global stability. The world is safer because of the courage and skill of our service members. I am praying for their safety and the safety of all of our allies who have been targeted by Iranian retaliation.”
Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) released a statement on the strike on Iran.
“For far too long, Iran has held the world hostage with its nuclear threats and state-sponsored terrorism. As today’s strikes have exemplified, all diplomatic endeavors to secure peace with the Iranian dictatorship have been exhausted.
“President Trump is a man of his word. He pledged U.S. military action if Iran did not immediately halt its nuclear weapons program and cease its bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests. Despite ample warnings and admonishments to negotiate seriously, Iran has defied U.S. diplomacy to end its decades-long quest to procure nuclear weapons and cease its despicable violence against Americans, Israelis, and the Iranians themselves.
“Among the many egregious concessions in 2015 by President Obama to the Iranians to get a deal included the removal of a treaty obligation that would have ended Iran’s missile program and prevented the mass production of the ballistic missiles that are today raining down on American military in the region, Israeli civilians and neighboring countries,” he said.
In debate on the House floor in 2015, Smith said: “Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s criticized the call for Iran to end its ballistic missile program, characterizing it as ‘a stupid, idiotic expectation’ and claiming ‘the Revolutionary Guards should definitely carry out their program and not be satisfied with the present level. They should mass produce.’”
“And mass produce they have, killing thousands and putting millions at risk!”
Smith continued, “The Trump administration has refused to allow the United States to be bullied by Iran and its terrorist proxies, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. And with the support of our strong ally and friend, Israel—who, for decades, has been the target of an unimaginable violence and terror campaign by Iran—I am confident that we will be able to disarm and immobilize the credible, global threat of Iran.
“May God bless our courageous servicemembers, as well as the IDF soldiers, who have been tasked with undertaking this critical mission to dismantle Iran’s reign of terror.”
Rep. Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02) released a statement on the strike on Iran.
"For decades, the Iranian regime has funded terrorism, threatened our allies, and chanted 'Death to America' while destabilizing the Middle East," said Congressman Van Drew. "What we are witnessing now is a decisive response to years of aggression. The leadership of the world's largest state sponsor of terror has been dealt a powerful blow. We killed one of the most evil men in the world, along with 40 of his cohorts. When America leads with strength, our enemies think twice, and the world is safer for it. Our men and women in uniform performed with extraordinary courage to get the job done. Every American should be grateful for their service tonight. God bless our troops. God bless our allies. And God bless the United States of America."
Rep. Tom Kean (NJ-07) released a statement on social media.
Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-08) released a statement on the strike on Iran.
“No president should be able to unilaterally commit America to a war without authorization from Congress or the consent of the American people. And it is clear, Americans do not want to send our sons and daughters to go to war with Iran. That is exactly why Congress needs to immediately reassert its war powers. We can support Iranian democracy without starting a war that no one wants. Congress must pass a war powers resolution and stop Trump from committing us to yet another war.”
Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released a statement on the strike on Iran.
“Trump is the warmonger. He is causing the violence. He’s not the president of peace. He’s the president of war. If America is attacked or our soldiers are put at risk, it’s because of Trump’s desire to go to war. And his refusal to ask Congress or even listen to his own advisors, is because he’s unhinged and doesn’t want cooler heads to prevail. What country will he attack next in an effort to drag America into further wars? There is a reason the Constitution gives Congress—not the President alone—the power to declare war. It's to avoid a reckless president bombing whatever he wants.”
Rep. Nellie Pou (NJ-09) released a statement on the strike on Iran.
“Once again, the Trump–Vance White House has failed to justify war to the American people, outline a clear plan or achievable goals, or properly consult Congress, which holds the constitutional authority over war and funding.
The regime’s attacks today on other neighboring ally states is an outrage and illustrates the danger of this campaign exploding into a larger, more uncontrollable conflict.
For nearly 50 years, the Iranian regime has been one of the foremost incubators of terrorism in the world. The regime’s terrorism has murdered countless innocent people across the globe and the regime has killed Americans. The Iranian regime’s quest for nuclear bombs constitutes one of the gravest threats to the world. Just weeks ago, the regime butchered in cold blood tens of thousands of Iranians peacefully protesting for a better future. The ultimate demise of this regime, when it arrives, will be a great day for millions for Iranians, for the United States, and for the cause of freedom across the world.
Yet Americans do not want and did not vote for another extended war that will cost the lives of our brave servicemembers. This week Congress will reconvene to consider limits on the President’s power to make war. Our debate could not be better timed.
I am hoping and praying for our brave military personnel, the people of Iran and all innocent people impacted by this violent conflict.”
Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released a statement about the strike on Iran.
“Last night, President Trump unilaterally ordered a military strike against Iran. For decades, the Iranian regime has posed a persistent threat to U.S. national security, beginning with the 1979 hostage crisis and continuing through its pursuit of nuclear weapons capabilities, its role as a leading global sponsor of terrorism, and its oppression of the Iranian people.
“In response to the recent U.S. strike, Iran has reportedly launched attacks on four of the thirteen U.S military bases in the region, where more than 40,000 U.S. service members are currently stationed. In June of last year, the President asserted that Operation Midnight Hammer had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program.
“The American people deserve to understand why this latest strike was undertaken, why it was initiated at this time, and what clear strategy exists to bring this situation to a responsible conclusion.
“Above all, we must ensure the protection of our troops abroad and safeguard religious institutions and vulnerable communities here at home from potential retaliation. I am therefore calling for an immediate classified briefing to Congress to fully explain the rationale for this action and the path forward.”
Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) posted on X about the strike on Iran.
Rep. Herb Conaway (NJ-03) posted on Facebook about the strike on Iran.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, released a statement on the strike on Iran.
"With the announcement that military strikes have taken place in Iran, Israel, and elsewhere throughout the Middle East, Governor Sherrill has been in communication with my office, Acting Superintendent Hengemuhle, and Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Thomas Hauck as we coordinate with our federal partners, the 21 County Prosecutors, and law enforcement leaders across this state, as well as community and religious leaders. It is the highest priority of the Sherrill Administration to keep the residents of the State of New Jersey safe during this time of increased tension and social media activity.
While there are no specific threats to safety in New Jersey, law enforcement will increase patrols of sensitive areas – particularly houses of worship – to ensure that everyone feels safe and secure in their communities. Law enforcement will be taking other steps – some that will be noticeable and others that may be taken out of view – and all out of an abundance of caution. We continue to call upon New Jersey residents to be extra vigilant, and if you see suspicious activity, please report it to your local authorities without delay.
Please know that we will continue to work together, implement any additional precautions, and communicate as appropriate, and that we remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure that our state is not home to hate, intolerance, or violence. We encourage all residents to report incidents of bias to their local law enforcement or to our office via the NJBIAS online portal at https://bias.njcivilrights.gov, or by calling 800-277-BIAS."
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released a statement on the strike on Iran.
"The American people don’t want war with Iran. The President never made a case for war, not to the American people, not to Congress, not to our allies overseas. Instead, this President has conducted an illegal operation and put American troops in harm's way and killed untold numbers of civilians on the ground in Iran.
Speaker Johnson must immediately hold a vote on the Massie-Khanna Iran War Powers Resolution.
Donald Trump's actions are reckless and make the world less safe. If the American people are to be safe, Donald Trump must be impeached.
I will monitor the situation as it develops and continue to pray for the safety of our servicemen and women, as well as the innocent civilians who will be impacted throughout the region. I encourage everyone to make their voices heard loud and clear, “No War with Iran.”'
Statement from New Jersey State Police Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
