Trump tells Iranian people to take over INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Indiana’s congressional delegation largely focused on whether the White House was beginning another prolonged military campaign in the Middle East following the U.S. and Israel’s attack on Iran. President Donald Trump said t he strikes, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury”, were in response to Iran refusing to “renounce their nuclear ambitions”. He promised to cripple the Iranian military and nuclear capabilities and called on the people of Iran to “take over your government” once the bombing has ended.  “The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war,” Trump said in an 8-minute video posted on social media. “President Trump’s actions this morning were not about starting a war. They were about preventing one,” Sen. Jim Banks said, joining a number of Republicans supporting the military action. Rep. Marlin Stutzman described the strikes as “hard and necessary choices to produce real peace in the Middle East.”  Congressman Andre Carson, a Democrat, argued the attack on Iran will put U.S. troops and civilians in danger, “We need to meaningfully strengthen democracy without another open-ended war.” His Democratic colleague, Rep. Frank Mrvan, called for an immediate vote on the War Powers Resolution. “There is no doubt that Iran and their nuclear weapon ambitions currently pose a serious threat to the United States, our allies, and the Middle East region,” Mrvan said. “The American people will have questions pertaining to the nature of threats, risks to our troops and homeland, and objectives sought,” Young said. “Their questions must be answered.” Sen. Todd Young and Rep. Jefferson Shreve both stopped short of endorsing the operation, saying they look forward to the White House briefing Congress. But both made clear they see Iran as a danger. Shreve said the House Committee on Foreign Affairs has tracked Iran’s “escalating aggression” and nuclear and missile programs. “These threats are real and long-standing,” Shreve said.  “I don’t support us being engaged in nation-building — it’s up to the people of each nation, we must have clear strategy,” Rep. Victoria Spartz said, while discarding the idea of diplomatic negotiations. “They only understand the language of weapons.” President Trump said Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died in the aerial bombardment, but “heavy and pinpoint bombing” will continue through the week or longer. The Iranian regime and the terrorists they back have killed over 1,000 U.S. service members and civilians. They armed militias that killed and wounded our troops in Iraq, funded attacks across the Middle East, and openly chanted “Death to America” while past leaders looked the…— Senator Jim Banks (@SenatorBanks) February 28, 2026 Americans should pray for the safety of our brave troops, and for wisdom from their leaders. Iran has refused to dismantle its nuclear program despite repeated American efforts at diplomacy over decades. The Iranian regime has funded terror around the globe—including against…— Senator Todd Young (@SenToddYoung) February 28, 2026 President Trump continues to put our troops and civilians in danger.I’m a cosponsor of a War Powers Resolution to rein in the president’s reckless and illegal wars. I’m calling on House leadership to immediately bring it to the floor next week. The Iranian people have shown…— André Carson (@RepAndreCarson) February 28, 2026 The U.S. has taken targeted military action against Iran in coordination with Israel. Our priority is clear: protect American lives, defend our allies, and prevent Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon.On the @HouseForeignGOP, we have closely tracked Iran’s escalating…— Congressman Jefferson Shreve (@RepShreve) February 28, 2026 I don’t support us being engaged in nation-building — it’s up to the people of each nation, we must have clear strategy. But I am so sick tired of Democrats’ “diplomatic negotiations” BS. With whom -dictators, terrorists, bandits? They only understand the language of weapons. pic.twitter.com/RoM6ruPYyo— Rep. Victoria Spartz (@RepSpartz) February 28, 2026 Operation Epic Fury has begun and I support President Trump and our troops. President Trump has been willing to make the hard and necessary choices to produce real peace in the Middle East. The Iranian people and the world have endured this evil regime long enough. God bless…— Rep. Marlin Stutzman (@RepStutzman) February 28, 2026 For decades, Iran has targeted Americans and our allies, killed thousands of innocent people, and has been the largest state-sponsor of terrorism. Iran took Americans hostage for 444 days in 1979 and funded Hamas terrorists’ horrific October 7th attack in Israel. The U.S. has…— Congressman Jim Baird (@RepJimBaird) February 28, 2026 Operation Epic Fury is a bold and decisive step by President Trump to create real peace in the region. May God be with our troops, our allies, and the Iranian people. https://t.co/NHWBiqBXOe— Congressman Rudy Yakym (@RepRudyYakym) February 28, 2026 With the Launch of “Operation Epic Fury” Against Iran, Justice is Being Served Against the World’s Leading State Sponsor of Terrorism. Our Prayers are with America’s Sailors, Marines, Airmen and All Our Soldiers Across the Region and Our Cherished Ally Israel. May God Grant Our…— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) February 28, 2026 There is no doubt that Iran and their nuclear weapon ambitions currently pose a serious threat to the United States, our allies, and the Middle East region.  Given the Administration's unilateral action, now is the time to be steadfast in our support for the courageous men and…— Rep. Frank J. Mrvan (@RepMrvan) February 28, 2026 This is a developing story and will likely be updated. ...read more read less