Florida lawmaker react to U.S. and Israel attack on Iran

Florida lawmakers on Saturday reacted to a joint operation by the U.S. and Israel that led to a major attack on Iran.

Following the attack, U.S. President Donald Trump called on the Iranian people to “seize control of your destiny” by rising up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled the nation since 1979. Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the region.

Some of the first strikes appeared to hit areas around the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and Iranian media reported strikes nationwide, and smoke could be seen rising from the capital. It wasn’t immediately clear whether the 86-year-old leader was in his offices at the time of the strike.

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz released a statement on that reads in part:

“Early this morning, President Trump launched major strikes against Iran. My first concern is for the safety of our service members, diplomats, and civilians in the region, as well as the security of our allies who Iran has targeted with missile strikes in retaliation.”

U.S Sen. Rick Scott posted the following statement on X:

“America will ALWAYS stand with our great friend Israel, and we must never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”

He also posted a video message.

U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody posted on X:

“For decades, this evil Iranian regime has called for the death of America, the destruction of the West, terrorized its own people and others, and caused fear and instability in the region. When someone says they want to destroy you, you should listen, and we have a @POTUS that did just that. Today, all Americans should be praying for the success and the safety of our servicemen and women.”

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava posted the following statement on X:

“The escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel & Iran threatens stability & security. My thoughts are with the people of Israel, our Jewish community in South Florida & the Iranian people seeking freedom and dignity. We must pursue stability and diplomacy, not further violence.”

Congressman Jared Moskowitz posted the following statement on X:

“The situation in the Middle East is grave and evolving rapidly. In response to US and Israeli strikes, Iran responded by attacking its Arab neighbors. That was certainly a choice. As regional partners remain on high alert, my thoughts are with the brave American service members in harm’s way. At this critical moment, we recognize the extraordinary dedication and sacrifice of those deployed abroad. They serve with courage under immense pressure.”

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart released the following statement:

“For nearly five decades, Iranians have endured repression, violence, and torture at the hands of the evil Iranian regime–a regime that exports terrorism, brutally suppresses dissent at home, and openly threatens the United States and our allies.

I commend President Donald Trump for standing in solidarity with the brave Iranian people, who continue to demand freedom, dignity, and basic human rights despite ruthless crackdowns. Hundreds of protesters have been killed simply for exercising those rights.

Americans and the world are safer because of President Trump’s leadershipand maximum pressure strategy, including the removal of terrorist Qasem Soleimani and last year’s decisive action to obliterate Iran’s nuclear sites–demonstrating that deterrence and strength, not appeasement, will lead to a safer and more secure future for all.”

Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez released a statement that reads in part:

“Iran remains the world’s top sponsor of terrorism. Its regime has funded violent extremists, targeted the U.S. and Israel, and worked to weaken global stability. We’ve seen that same threat reach into our own backyard, with the communist dictatorships in Cuba and Venezuela partnering with Iran’s terrorist networks to spread chaos in our hemisphere. That’s why strength and moral clarity from Washington are so critical they defend not just world peace, but the freedom and security of our neighbors right here in the Americas.”

U.S. Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez on X posted an image of a gravestone that had “Islamic Republic 1979-2026” written on it, and posted the following statement on X:

“Whether it’s #Hamas in the Middle East, Maduro regime in #Venezuela, Castro regime in #Cuba, and the Ayatollah in #Iran, Trump has led decisively while other leaders faltered!”

Congresswoman María Elvira Salaza posted a statement on X that reads in part:

“Our actions against the Iranian regime have been decisive and necessary to protect American lives and our national security. We are dismantling their nuclear program, crippling their ballistic missile capabilities, and holding accountable those who for decades chanted ‘Death to America’ and butchered more than 30,000 brave Iranians just one month ago. A regime like that has no legitimacy.”

Other Florida politicians were more critical about the strikes on Iran.

Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost posted a statement on X that reads in part:

Congress must reconvene immediately to vote on a War Powers Resolution to stop Trump’s illegal and dangerous war. We know what comes next: instability, innocent death, our troops risking their lives, and chaos. These regime change wars do not work. We can support the people of Iran without bombing them.”

Due to the ongoing developments in the Middle East, Miami Beach Police, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and Aventura Police said they are monitoring the situation and said there are no known credible threats locally.

There will be an increased law enforcement presence at synagogues, schools, and other key locations citywide.