Netanyahu congratulates Trump, says US 'unsurpassed' after 'bold' attack on Iran that will 'change history'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Donald Trump on Sunday, June 22, after the president said the US military bombed three nuclear sites in Iran.
"Congratulations President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history," Netanyahu said in a video message, adding that the attacks demonstrated "America has been truly unsurpassed."
Netanyahu added that Trump had created a "pivot of history" that will "help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace."
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced concern Saturday at strikes carried out by the US, calling them a "dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge."
"At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos," Guterres said in a statement. "There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace."
US leaders react
Following Trump's announcement on Saturday, US House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican who was briefed by the White House ahead of the strike, said in a statement, "President Trump has been consistent and clear that a nuclear-armed Iran will not be tolerated ... That posture has now been enforced with strength, precision, and clarity."
US Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the Iranian regime's "misguided pursuit of nuclear weapons must be stopped."
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a longtime Iran hawk and Republican from South Carolina, wrote online: "This was the right call. The regime deserves it."
Meanwhile, elected Democrats and some far-right Republicans questioned the move, particularly without authorization from the US Congress.
"Horrible judgment," said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. "I will push for all Senators to vote on whether they are for this third idiotic Middle East war."
Said conservative Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, "While President Trump's decision may prove just, it's hard to conceive a rationale that's Constitutional."
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