Trump announces ‘major combat operations’ in Iran

The U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on targets across Iran on Saturday.

U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iranians to take cover during the strikes, but then: “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.” It was an extraordinary appeal that suggested the allies could be seeking to end of the country’s theocracy after decades of tensions.

In a video posted on social media, Trump claimed Iran has continued to develop its nuclear program and plans to develop missiles to reach the U.S.

The first strikes of the attack appeared to target the compound home to Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in downtown Tehran. It wasn’t immediately clear if he was there at the time. Smoke could be seen rising from the Iranian capital.

The attack quickly expanded beyond Iran. Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said it responded by launching a “first wave” of drones and missiles targeting Israel, where a nationwide warning was issued as the military said it bring down Iranian fire.

Members of our state’s Congressional delegation are weighing in on the air strikes.

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-WA, the Ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, calls the war in Iran a big mistake and says the President’s intentions are unclear.

“We have a full-scale Middle East war and we have not yet had a clear statement from the president, as to exactly why,” Smith said.  “Part of it is apparently to stop Iran’s ability to have a nuclear weapon, which certainly makes sense.  But is it just that, or is it regime change?”

Congressman Smith says his thoughts and prayers are with families of members of the military who are from Washington state.  But he still questions the president’s objectives in launching the weekend air strikes.

“The president has sort of hinted at regime change, sort of like, fingers crossed, hope it happens,” Smith said.  “That’s not a way to  launch a war.  So we’re in a full-scale, Middle East war.  We don’t know exactly what it is that success would look like.  What is it going to accomplish and how long is it going to last?”

Other local political leaders are also critical of the air strikes.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-WA, is calling for Congress to immediately return to the nation’s capitol to vote on a measure to end the war in Iran.

In a written statement, Sen. Murray urges an end to the air strikes.

“There is no clear end game here and no guarantee that these strikes will mean democracy and freedom for the Iranian people or that the world will be any safer for it,” Murray said.

Washington state’s 10th District Democrat Marilyn Strickland says the president’s “reckless action in Iran has dangerously escalated tensions and put American lives at risk.”

She is asking for reassurance American troops won’t be stuck in a prolonged war.

U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene, D-WA, says the president’s actions put the lives of U.S. troops and innocent civilians at risk.

DelBene is also calling for Congress to immediately vote on an “Iran War Powers Resolution.”  She also asks the Trump Administration to specify its objectives, its legal rationale and justification for the military actions.

 DelBene, who represents parts of King and Snohomish Counties, says a war in Iran “risks dragging America into another costly conflict in the Middle East with no transparency, debate, or backing from the American people.”

The U.S. has assembled a vast fleet of fighter jets and warships in the region to try to pressure Iran into a deal over its nuclear program. President Donald Trump had wanted a deal and saw an opportunity while Iran is struggling with growing dissent following nationwide protests.

Iran had hoped to avert a war, but maintains it has the right to enrich uranium and does not want to discuss other issues, like its long-range missile program or support for armed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.