Following U.S. military strikes against Iran, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) released the following statement on Saturday afternoon:

“I am closely monitoring the situation following President Trump’s announcement that U.S. forces have launched major combat operations against Iran.

“Iran’s regime is clearly a dangerous and destabilizing force, with a long history of supporting terrorism, threatening our allies, and pursuing nuclear weapons. While confronting these threats is necessary, military action of this magnitude carries serious risks. Our troops are in harm’s way, and there is a real possibility that this conflict could expand into a wider and prolonged war in the Middle East without the understanding or support of the American people.

“Congress has a constitutional responsibility under Article I to authorize the use of military force, and it is concerning that such authorization was not sought before this strike. The American people deserve transparency about the objectives of this operation, the legal authority under which it was undertaken, and the plan to protect U.S. service members and civilians in the region.

“If last year’s strikes against Iran’s nuclear program were a major success, it is reasonable to ask why this follow-up operation was deemed necessary.

“I am calling for an immediate classified briefing to better understand the administration’s strategy, ensure accountability, and demand that Congress be fully involved in overseeing this conflict. Our troops and their families deserve clarity, support, and assurance that every decision is made with their safety and our national interest in mind.

“We must remain firm in confronting terrorism and nuclear proliferation, but we must also be clear-eyed about the costs of war. The path forward must prioritize American security, regional stability, and a strategy that prevents another open-ended conflict in the Middle East.

“It is my hope that as these circumstances develop, a bipartisan consensus will emerge that strengthens U.S. resolve and provides clear direction to bring peace to that part of the world.”

Rep. Valadao’s Statement

Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford) issued a short statement on social media about the joint U.S.-Israeli attack that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader:

“For years, the Iranian regime has ruled through fear at home and terror abroad. As the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, it continues to arm violent proxies, threaten our allies, and destabilize the region. ”

For years, the Iranian regime has ruled through fear at home and terror abroad. As the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, it continues to arm violent proxies, threaten our allies, and destabilize the region.

— Rep. David Valadao (@RepDavidValadao) February 28, 2026

Rep. Fong Says Iran Is Facing the Consequences of Its Actions

Rep. Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield) issued this statement on social media:

“For decades, the Iranian regime has relentlessly pursued nuclear weapons, funded terrorism through proxies including Hamas and Hezbollah, taken hundreds of American lives, and threatened our national security. The President of the United States and his Administration have exhausted every diplomatic path in pursuit of peace to no avail. Today, Iran is facing the consequences of its evil actions against America and our allies. I stand firmly with our brave men and women in uniform carrying out Operation Epic Fury. I pray for their safety and for their families as they defend America and protect our national security. May God bless them, and may God bless America.”

For decades, the Iranian regime has relentlessly pursued nuclear weapons, funded terrorism through proxies including Hamas and Hezbollah, taken hundreds of American lives, and threatened our national security. @POTUS and his Administration have exhausted every diplomatic path in… https://t.co/NsHnJm61bb

— Vince Fong (@RepVinceFong) February 28, 2026

Peace Fresno: ‘We Are on the Cusp of World War III”

Dan Yaseen, president of Peace Fresno, said in a statement issued early Saturday afternoon:

“We strongly condemn Trump’s war of aggression on Iran, which violates International and U.S. laws. Iran is not a security threat to the United States. Iran has already started retaliating and we are already in a regional war. We are on the cusp of World War III, which could easily go nuclear. We demand an immediate halt to the bombing of Iran!”