America awakened yesterday morning to news that the US and Israel had launched a war operation in Iran.  Besides destroying multiple targets, they also claimed to have killed the Iranian leader, which has yet to be confirmed and may be irrelevant in terms of Iran’s military capabilities.  Below, find statements from Staten Island politicians including Rep. Malliotakis and BP Fossella, along with the mayor and Senator Gillibrand.  At the national level, Senator Sanders has called for an end to the conflict and deescalation of tensions in an already unstable area.  This has been updated with Senator Gillibrand’s statement regarding the unevacuated Americans stranded in the Middle East, who have been unable to leave via the Embassy in Jerusalem: 

GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S FAILURE TO HELP AMERICANS EVACUATE FROM MIDDLE EAST

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee, released the following statement on the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem’s failure to evacuate Americans stranded in the Middle East and the president’s admission that the administration didn’t even think about thousands of Americans being stranded before launching a war:

“Instead of focusing on lowering costs for American families, President Trump started a war with no plan for how to evacuate Americans caught in the crossfire.

“By refusing to help Americans get to safety, the Trump administration is abandoning the very people it is supposed to assist. It is disgraceful and unacceptable. 

“The Trump administration must immediately develop a plan to evacuate Americans stranded in the Middle East. I won’t rest until they do.”

Malliotakis Statement on USA’s Action to End Iran’s Reign of Terror

(NEW YORK, NY) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis released the following statement regarding U.S. Military action in Iran.

“The United States has taken decisive and courageous action against Iran to defend our citizens, interests, and partners after the leading state sponsor of terrorism would not negotiate in good faith or commit to diplomacy over nuclear capabilities.

Iran is responsible for attacks that have killed American civilians and service members and its continuous declarations of “Death to America” while pursuing advanced nuclear capabilities threaten the United States and our allies.

The United States, the Middle East and the world will be a safer and more peaceful place when the oppressive and murderous Iranian regime is eliminated. May God bless our troops as they conduct this courageous and noble mission.”

A Statement from Borough President Vito Fossella on the Ongoing Situation in Iran

Staten Island, NY – Borough President Vito Fossella issued the following statement regarding ongoing developments in Iran and the Middle East:

“In light of the ongoing situation in Iran and the Middle East, we have been in touch with the NYPD, which is monitoring developments and increasing police presence at our sensitive areas and houses of worship.

Please be advised that at this time there are no known credible threats to Staten Island.

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We thank the dedicated men and women of the NYPD for working proactively to keep us safe.

And, as always, may God continue to bless our U.S. service men and women.

Further, as always, please remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the police.”

Statement from Mayor Mamdani on Military Strikes on Iran

“Today’s military strikes on Iran — carried out by the United States and Israel — mark a catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression. Bombing cities. Killing civilians. Opening a new theater of war. Americans do not want this. They do not want another war in pursuit of regime change. They want relief from the affordability crisis. They want peace.

“I am focused on making sure that every New Yorker is safe. I have been in contact with our Police Commissioner and emergency management officials. We are taking proactive steps, including increasing coordination across agencies and enhancing patrols of sensitive locations out of an abundance of caution.

“Additionally, I want to speak directly to Iranian New Yorkers: you are part of the fabric of this city — you are our neighbors, small business owners, students, artists, workers, and community leaders. You will be safe here.”

GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON U.S. AND ISRAELI STRIKES ON IRAN

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee, released the following statement on U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran:

“I came to Congress in opposition to endless wars. Trump’s actions today risk exactly that again. 

“Congress should return to session immediately to vote on a war powers resolution. 

“The president lacks the constitutional authority – and in my opinion, the temperament and judgment – to act in such a reckless fashion. 

“I pray for the safety and well-being of our brave service members and American families in the region.

“America voted for lower costs, not forever wars.”

Sanders: The U.S. Senate Must be Clear: No War with Iran

WASHINGTON – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran.

President Trump, along with his right-wing extremist Israeli ally Benjamin Netanyahu, has begun an illegal, premeditated and unconstitutional war. Tragically, Trump is gambling with American lives and treasure to fulfill Netanyahu’s decades-long ambition of dragging the United States into armed conflict with Iran.

The U.S. Constitution is clear. It is the Congress that declares war, not a president acting unilaterally. The Senate must reconvene immediately and vote on a pending War Powers Resolution, which I will strongly support.

Further, this attack against Iran is a clear violation of international law and will create increased instability in an already dangerous world. If the United States and Israel can launch an attack against a sovereign nation, so can any other country. Might does not make right. It creates international anarchy, death, destruction and human misery.

The American people were lied to about Vietnam. The American people were lied to about Iraq. The American people are being lied to again today — and once again, it is ordinary people who will pay the price.

The people of our country, no matter what their political persuasion, do not want endless war. They want decent-paying jobs, and health care and housing that they can afford. They want their kids to have an excellent education.

We must not allow Trump to force us into another senseless war. No war with Iran.

Banner Image: Iran revolution protest. Image Credit – Craig Melville