Virginia gubernatorial nominees speak on U.S. involvement in Israel-Iran conflict
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Democratic nominee for Virginia governor Abigail Spanberger and Lieutenant Winsome Earle-Sears, Republican nominee, have commented on the U.S.'s involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict.
On Friday, June 13, Israel carried out a surprise attack on targets throughout Iran, killing top generals, which was followed by days of escalating strikes.
On Saturday, June 21, U.S. forces launched targeted strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, which President Donald Trump took to social media to say were "totally destroyed." In response, Iranian officials launched missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar, with most being intercepted and no injuries reported.
In the morning on Monday, June 23, 8News reached out to both Virginia's Democratic gubernatorial nominee, Abigail Spanberger, and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, Republican nominee for governor, for their responses on escalations in the Israel-Iran conflict.
RELATED: Richmond expert weighs in on American involvement in Israel-Iran conflict
Spanberger provided a comment to 8News in which she said, in part, that the Iranian regime has posed and continues to pose a threat to U.S. national security interests, Israel and the Middle East, generally.
"The Iranian regime is a state sponsor of terror and has a long history of financing destabilizing efforts throughout the Middle East," Spanberger said. "As a former CIA case officer and former Member of the House Intelligence Committee, I am clear-eyed about the threat they have posed and continue to pose to U.S. national security interests, the State of Israel, and security in the larger Middle East."
RELATED: Jewish, Iranian-American communities in Richmond react to war overseas
Spanberger further emphasized the role of Congress in making decisions of war and peace, citing the Constitution.
"In the coming days, Members of Congress must assert their Article 1 responsibility for decisions of war and peace, and ensure that they – and by extension the American people – understand what led to the Trump Administration’s decision, the impact of these strikes on the Iranian regime’s nuclear program, and the steps being taken to avoid escalations and another protracted conflict in the Middle East," Spanberger said.
She added her gratitude for the safety of the U.S. servicemembers who carried out the strikes at three Iranian nuclear sites.
"I am grateful for the safety of the U.S. servicemembers who carried out these strikes," Spanberger said.
On Monday, June 23, Trump posted on social media that Israel and Iran agreed to terms for a ceasefire.
8News reached out to Earle-Sears three times for comment, and in the morning on Tuesday, June 24, was sent a social media post published in the evening on Monday, June 23 that addressed Trump's initial ceasefire announcement.
Earle-Sears applauded Trump's leadership.
"True peace was only possible through strength and President Trump’s decisive leadership," Earle-Sears. "Today, and every day, I’m proud to be an American."
She further expressed gratitude for the U.S. military as well as a hope for peace.
"I’m praying for continued peace, for the innocent, and for the safety of our brave military men and women."
According to the Associated Press, Trump said Israel and Iran violated ceasefire terms with attacks following an early deadline on Tuesday, June 24, to put an end to hostilities.
"They violated it but Israel violated it too,” Trump said in a comment to reporters at the White House. He added, ”I’m not happy with Israel.
