Colorado leaders react to U.S. attack on Iran: ‘A war of choice’

Several of Colorado’s top elected officials called for congressional intervention hours after the U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran, with the state’s federal delegation reacting along party lines, either supporting or decrying the military action by President Donald Trump’s administration.
Trump called on the Iranian people to “seize control of your destiny” as strikes hit areas around the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the second time in eight months the U.S. has used military force against the Islamic Republic.
Democratic U.S. Reps. Jason Crow, Joe Neguse, Brittany Pettersen and Diana DeGette all released statements calling for Congress to vote on a war powers resolution.
“Trump is plunging us into another war in the Middle East. He’s learned nothing from decades of failed conflicts,” Crow said. “It’s a war of choice with no clear end game, no authorization from Congress, and little support from Americans.”
Sen. John Hickenlooper, also a Democrat, released a statement criticizing Trump for bypassing his congressional duty to see Congress’ approval for operations in Iran, describing it as a “calculated distraction” from the economy, immigration issues and unreleased files regarding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“While we would certainly welcome the fall of Iran’s terror-sponsoring and repressive regime, the President’s reckless approach leaves us facing profound, unanswered questions about the new dangers he has unleashed,” Hickenlooper said.
Republican U.S. Reps. Gabe Evans, Jeff Hurd and Jeff Crank all shared statements supporting combat operations, highlighting Iran’s attacks on Americans, links to terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons.
“Operation Epic Fury is a necessary step to eliminate Iran’s nuclear weapon capabilities, eliminate imminent threats to the United States and our allies, and defend our core national security interests,” Evans said.
Hurd also said military action was important for national security.
“I support President Trump’s decision to take decisive action to hold the Iranian regime accountable and to degrade its ability to threaten Americans and our allies,” Hurd said. “When American lives and security are at risk, we must be clear eyed and strong. Peace is best preserved through strength and resolve.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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