U.S. Launches Air Strikes on Iran Nuclear Sites Amid Mixed Philly Reactions

President Donald Trump authorized U.S. air strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites in an operation called "Operation Midnight Hammer," aiming to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons amid ongoing Iran-Israel hostilities. The strikes, involving over 125 aircraft including stealth B-2 bombers, received mixed reactions from Pennsylvania officials; Republican Sen. Dave McCormick and Democratic Sen. John Fetterman praised the action as necessary to counter Iran's terrorism and nuclear ambitions. However, many Democrats, including Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, condemned the strikes for lacking Congressional authorization and accused the administration of escalating military conflict unilaterally. In Philadelphia, activists protested the military action, advocating for diplomacy and congressional oversight, emphasizing widespread public opposition to war and concerns about humanitarian consequences and increased defense spending. The strikes followed recent Israeli attacks on Iranian sites and Iranian retaliatory missile and drone strikes on Israel, contributing to significant casualties in both countries. The Trump administration has defended the operation as a demonstration of strong leadership to ensure peace through strength.