Virginia lawmakers share mixed reactions to start of war with Iran

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) - Lawmakers in Virginia have reacted to the United States going to war with Iran.

On Saturday, Feb. 28, the United States, with Israel, launched an attack against Iran. Virginia lawmakers have been responding to President Donald Trump's actions as the U.S. goes to war with Iran. 

“This is Donald Trump’s war of choice,” Senator Mark Warner (D-Virginia) told 8News. 

“I think we can all agree, we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” Republican Congressman John McGuire (R, VA-05) said.

"The United States is acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, to protect American interests at home and abroad, and to stand with those who desire a more peaceful and stable future," McGuire said.

“We cannot have a nuclear weapon, Iran with a nuclear weapon, because they will use it, and if they use that’s millions of lives, so, I think we gotta do what we gotta do,” McGuire added. 

However, Warner, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said based on the evidence that he’s seen, America was not at risk. 

“I have seen no evidence, and I am a member of the most senior gang of eight that should see any evidence, that there was any imminent threat from Iran against America,” said Warner. 

Warner added that since four Americans have died, Trump owes the American people and Congress an explanation. 

“Last week, the President initially said we wanted to go after Iran’s nuclear capabilities,” Warner said. Then the middle of the week, it was going after Iran's missile capacity.  At the end of the week, it was a regime change, and so, which of those reasons are important enough to have American troops in harm's way?” 

According to the Virginia National Guard, Virginia’s Air National Guard has supported Operation Epic Fury, but it did not provide any specifics.