Ohio Democratic U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman, of Cincinnati, joined many Ohio Republicans in defending President Donald Trump’s decision to join Israel’s deadly attack in Iran while Ohio Republican U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson, of Troy, joined several Ohio Democrats in criticizing Trump for not seeking congressional authority. 

The Iranian Red Crescent Society said the attacks on 131 cities have killed at least 555 people so far in the Islamic Republic. Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the military strikes over the weekend. Six U.S. service members have been killed as of Monday afternoon, according to the U.S. Central Command. 

“The U.S. is destroying Iran’s missiles and bombs to stop them from taking more lives,” Landsman said in a statement.

“I hope these targeted strikes on the Iranian regime’s military assets ends the regime’s mayhem and bloodshed and makes way for this lasting peace in the region.” 

Davidson said last week he will support Virginia Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine’s War Powers Resolution, which would prevent continued U.S. military action in Iran without congressional approval under the 1973 War Powers Resolution. 

“War requires Congressional authorization,” Davidson said on X. “There are actions short of war, but no case has been made.”

Congress holds the sole authority to formally declare war and they are scheduled to vote this week on a bipartisan war powers resolution designed to curb Trump’s military operations in Iran. 

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he would not comment on Trump not getting congressional approval before the military strike. 

“One of the things we know is that the regime in Iran was a horrible regime,” DeWine said to reporters on Monday.

“These are ruthless, horrible people who are killing thousands of their own people because they wanted to demonstrate that. They wanted to make their voices heard. No one should shed any tears for the people in the leadership of the country who were killed.” 

Ohio Democratic Congress members react

Many Ohio Democratic Congress members criticized Trump for not seeking congressional authority. 

“Once again, President Trump has launched illegal military strikes on a foreign country without congressional authorization,” Ohio Democratic U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, of Akron, said in a statement.

“These attacks escalate tensions in the Middle East, put American service members at risk, and endanger civilians in Iran. … Military action without clear objectives or a legal mandate is reckless and unconstitutional.” 

The American people do not want another war, said Ohio Democratic U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown, of Warrensville Heights. 

“This President promised to end wars, not start news,” Brown said on X. “Yet over the last year, we have seen the same pattern: more strikes, in more places, with less explanation and less accountability.” 

Trump ordered airstrikes in Venezuela and the capture of their president earlier this year. 

Ohio Democratic U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, of Columbus, called Trump’s actions “reckless,” saying they put U.S. soldiers in danger. 

“The safety of Americans must come first: Congress must quickly vote on the War Powers Resolution to ensure American service members are removed from harm’s way and to keep America out of another war in the Middle East,” Beatty said on X. 

Ohio Democratic U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, of Toledo, said U.S. citizens have a right to hear Congress debate before troops are deployed and tax dollars are used. 

“This military action will precipitate long-lasting repercussions across a vast region of the Middle East, likely eliciting long term reactions and engagements,” Kaptur said on X. “The American people deserve to know when the lives of our valiant forces and countless innocent civilians are being risked and extended halfway around the world.” 

Ohio Republican Congress members react 

Both of Ohio’s U.S. Senators praised Trump’s actions. 

“President Trump sought for months to avoid conflict and negotiate with Iran to prevent them from rebuilding their nuclear program,” Ohio Republican U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno said on X. “I fully support his decision to eliminate the threat once and for all once it became clear there was no other option.” 

For 47 years, the Iranian regime had ample opportunity to be a productive member of the global community, Ohio Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted said on X.

“Instead, it chose to export death, terrorism, extremism, and instability against America and our allies. … The President took action to address the threat Iran poses to America and global stability,” he said.

Many Ohio Republican Congress members were quick to voice their support for the military attacks, which the Trump administration is calling Operation Epic Fury. 

“After rejecting repeated opportunities for a peaceful, diplomatic solution, Iran now faces decisive action from President Trump that eliminates this threat and defends American security,” Ohio Republican U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson, of Zanesville, said on X. 

Trump is showing that the U.S. will not be intimidated by foreign threats, Ohio Republican U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, of Novelty. 

“The U.S. is targeting Iranian military assets to degrade the regime’s ability to acquire nuclear weapons and threaten our national security and our allies in the region,” Joyce said on X. 

Ohio Republican U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, of Bowling Green, said Trump acted decisively. 

“Iran remains the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism and has continued to pursue its relentless nuclear ambitions,” Latta said on X.

“In response to Iran’s nuclear weapons development, President Trump and his Administration have worked to pursue peace agreements while prioritizing American security.” 

Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on X.