Like most across the nation, members of Alabama's federal delegation have been waiting to see if the Trump administration decides to directly engage in hostilities with Iran after it was attacked by Israel last week.
Trump's rhetoric on the matter has been hard to decipher. While U.S. government officials have denied assisting Israel in the attack or future plans, Trump has issued statements calling for the "unconditional surrender" of Iran.
1819 News reached out to Alabama's congressional delegation, asking if they would support the United States becoming directly involved in Israel's war with Iran. Many respondents echoed similar talking points or referenced previous statements.
In a video posted to X, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) stated that he fully backed Trump's decision, with the caveat that he hopes the decision does not involve American troops.
"I'm going to back President Trump 100% on whatever decision he makes, but I hope to God it's not including our men and women in any kind of battle," Tuberville said. "You know, we have war fatigue here. We've been fighting wars for years."
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) likewise supported Trump in whatever his plan is going forward, demanding that Iran follow Trump's call for unconditional Iranian surrender that he shared on his Truth Social platform.
"I know as an American and a Christian, we must stand with Israel," Britt said. "A world in which Iran possesses a nuclear weapon is not a world in which we can safely live. President Trump, who has been actively pushing for peace in the region, gave Iran 60 days to come to the negotiating table and make a deal. The Iranian regime refused. What happens next will be determined by whether the Iran meets President Trump's demands of unconditional surrender."
U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) stated, "Israel has every right to defend itself through preemptive action against acts of aggression carried out by Iran and its proxy forces. I stand in strong support of Israel's sovereignty and security. President Trump has been clear that while the United States is not involved in Israel's current operation, we remain committed to preventing Iran from having a nuclear weapon. Iran should come to the table ready to negotiate an end to this conflict. Until then, I am praying for the safety of innocent civilians and for peace in the region."
Staff for U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) directed 1819 News to a statement shared on social media on the day of Israel's attack.
"As events unfold tonight in the Middle East, one thing is clear: Iran is the aggressor. Its pursuit of a nuclear weapon is an existential threat that will not be tolerated," Rogers' statement read. "The U.S. was not involved in the strikes, but our forces stand ready to defend themselves and our ally Israel. Any Iranian attack on U.S. forces would be a grave miscalculation. As Americans, we pray for peace but stand ready to meet aggression with overwhelming force."
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) echoed identical fears of an Iranian nuclear weapon.
"I support President Trump in that Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon because if they do, they will use it," he said.
While not explicitly calling for direct U.S. involvement, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) claimed it was in America's "best interest to ensure that Israel is successful in eliminating this threat."
"Iranian-backed terror groups have committed countless atrocities and attacks impacting both our allies and our interests," Strong said. "A nuclear weapon in the hands of Iran is a threat to the entire world. It is in all of our best interest to ensure that Israel is successful in eliminating this threat."
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) released the following statement to 1819 News:
"The attacks launched by Israel should not be a surprise to anyone. Iran has been waging a proxy war against Israel through its network of terrorist organizations. The mass slaughter of Israeli citizens and others on October 7 was Israel's 9/11, convincing Israeli leadership that if Iran developed nuclear weapons, their radical regime would use them against Israel. Over the last few months, Iran had multiple opportunities to work out an agreement to dismantle their nuclear weapons program. They chose not to do so and instead ramped up their efforts. Israel could not risk the mass murder of their people and took action."
"While President Trump has made it clear that the United States was not involved in the attack, the United States stands ready to defend our assets and our allies against any threat from Iran or its proxies."
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) did not immediately respond to inquiries from 1819 News. She has also remained silent on the Iranian situation on social media.
U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Prichard) called for de-escalation of hostilities in the area, stating emphatically that any intervention should not involve American troops.
"Trump's withdrawal from the Iran deal with no replacement allows Iran to get closer to having nuclear weapons, which threatens the security of Israel, the region, and the world," Figures said. "This Administration needs to show leadership and work with both sides and our international partners to de-escalate this situation while ensuring a non-nuclear Iran. This cannot become a broader conflict that risks more lives and involves American troops."
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