Leaders across the Carolinas react to President Trump’s attack on Iran

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Three U.S. service members were killed in Iranian retaliatory strikes after a barrage of United States-Israel strikes killed hundreds, including Iran’s Supreme Leader. Those three deaths mark the first American military deaths in Trump’s major offensive.  

And in the hours after, politicians from the Carolinas share mixed reactions to these developments.

Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, who’s also running for a U.S. Senate seat, shared a statement on social media:  

“Devastating news that American service members were killed and wounded and I pray for them and their loved ones. I’m grateful for our troops who eliminated leaders and damaged weapons of this evil and oppressive regime…”

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham — a long-time advocate of a strong U.S. posture toward Tehran — responded forcefully to the strikes.  

“Iran, in the future, will no longer be the largest state sponsor of terrorism,” Graham said. “They cannot rain terror on the region, they cannot commit mass murder. That’s the goal of this operation.” 

Graham called it necessary to confront what he believes has been decades of Iranian hostility, defending the operation and framing it as a pivotal moment for U.S. national security.  

“It’s been the policy of this country for decades, to eliminate this regime,” Graham said. “President Trump did it. Admiral Cooper came up with a military plan that’s unbelievable; we’re not done yet.” 

Graham also stating the goal clearly:  

“It’s up to Iran to pick your leader — it’s not my job, it’s not President Trump’s job,” Graham said. “We’re not gonna occupy the country, we’re gonna give Iran the chance to do something they never have before: chart their own destiny.” 

With that effort comes the deaths of American servicemen, leaving not only state leaders with questions but also worries for the American people as former governor Cooper closed out his post on X stating:  

“But Americans fear another costly, drawn out war that puts our troops in harm’s way and removes focus and resources from needs here at home. Americans deserve to know all the long term objectives of this war, its risks and the exit strategy.” 

State lawmakers and local leaders remain divided, some praising the strike as essential to protect the U.S. and others calling for congressional oversight and restraint.