Democrats Blast Israel's Strikes on Iran as Middle East Tensions Soar

In a fiery escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion on Thursday night, targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure in Tehran. The strikes prompted a retaliatory attack from Iran on Tel Aviv, leaving at least five people injured. This dangerous tit-for-tat has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers in the U.S., who are sounding the alarm over what they see as a reckless path to regional chaos.

Sen. Bernie Sanders didn’t hold back, branding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an extremist whose actions defy international law. Sanders accused Netanyahu of sabotaging potential diplomacy, pointing to planned talks on Iran’s nuclear program that were derailed by the strikes. He warned that such unilateral moves risk dragging the region—and potentially the U.S.—into a broader conflict, urging a push for negotiations over further violence.

Other Democrats echoed the concern. Sen. Christopher Murphy of Connecticut suggested Israel deliberately targeted diplomacy itself, alleging the strikes killed Iran’s chief negotiator. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia questioned the timing of the preemptive attack, given a scheduled U.S.-Iran meeting, while Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island called the move reckless, warning of the threat to civilian lives and Middle East stability.

Yet, as Iran’s counterattack hit civilian areas in Tel Aviv, some lawmakers shifted their tone. Rep. Brad Sherman of California condemned Iran’s response as cowardice, contrasting Israel’s military-focused strikes with Iran’s targeting of civilian centers. Meanwhile, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia took a more measured stance, affirming Israel’s right to self-defense while stressing the need to avoid further escalation.

As the dust settles—or rather, refuses to—this clash serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance in the region. With both sides digging in, the international community faces an uphill battle to prevent a full-blown war.