Tri-State leaders react to President Trump's US strikes on 3 Iranian nuclear sites

CINCINNATI — Several Tri-State leaders and lawmakers have reacted and responded to President Trump's announcement that the U.S. bombed three Iranian nuclear sites Saturday.

Trump announced on social media Saturday night that the U.S. conducted a "very successful attack" on Iran's nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan.

When addressing the nation later Saturday night, Trump said, "I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success."

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Following the strikes, local lawmakers and political figures on both sides of the aisle were both supportive and against Trump's decision to join the U.S. in Israel's conflict with Iran.

Watch to hear more reaction both locally and nationally to the airstrikes:

Vice President JD Vance celebrated the pilots and the coordination to pull off the attack.

When asked on ABC's This Week if this was an act of war, Vance said it was not.

Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie called Trump's decision "not Constitutional" on social media.

Massie continued to be critical of Trump's decision, calling it "an act of war."

"When two countries are bombing each other daily in a hot war, and a third country joins the bombing, that's an act of war," he wrote on social media.

Ohio Republican Rep. Warren Davidson also questioned the constitutionality of Trump's bombings.

Indiana Senator Todd Young was supportive of the move, saying on social media, "The world will be safer if Iran's nuclear capability is destroyed."

Indiana Senator Jim Banks posted the American flag in response to Trump's announcement.

Ohio Congressman Greg Landsman issued a statement after the strikes.

"We don't yet know what this means for the regime's nuclear work or ambitions, but it absolutely means that the regime has been further weakened — which is good for those who want peace," Landsman said.

The congressman also called on Iran to agree to the removal of all enriched uranium, comprehensive inspections and "the full dismantling of their terror armies from Hamas to Hezbollah and the Houthis."

During a virtual press conference Sunday afternoon with Rep. Landsman, WCPO 9's Sam Harasimowicz asked if he felt the American people are safer following the strikes.

"The American people are safer for sure, you know, this is, again, it was a targeted strike. It was preemptive," Landsman said.

WCPO also asked Landsman if oil prices could surge in the coming weeks following the airstrikes.

"Iran could decide to disrupt the flow of oil because of their ability to shut down one major, you know, artery. I don't think they're going to do that," Landsman said.

Prior to the announcement of the bombings, Senator Rand Paul posted to social media, saying, "If he wages war unilaterally, Trump will only be the latest of many presidents to do so."

Indiana Governor Mike Braun said he applauds the "decisive leadership" of President Trump.

Senator Jon Husted was supportive of Trump's strikes, saying he took "appropriate action" to prevent Iran from producing nuclear weapons.

Alex Triantafilou, the chairman of the Ohio GOP, said Ohio stands with President Trump following the bombings.

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell said the U.S.'s strikes on Iran were not an escalation toward war, but a "prudent response to the warmongers in Tehran."

"Iran would be foolish to misunderstand American resolve," McConnell wrote.

Ohio U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno spoke out on social media Sunday in support of President Trump.

"Preventing a nuclear Iran is in America's national interest," Moreno said. "President Trump gave, and is still giving, Iran an opportunity to make a deal."