Beshear in Switzerland Davos

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear speaks during the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

 Markus Schreiber

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — President Donald Trump said the U.S. began major combat operations in Iran.

According to Trump, there could be American casualties following these strikes. This comes after the U.S. participated in Israeli strikes early Saturday morning against Iran.

Some of the first strikes on Iran appeared to hit near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 

Kentucky and Indiana lawmakers released statements to the attack with mixed reactions.

Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY)

"The American people were promised by the president that he would avoid foreign conflicts. Generations of Americans are still dealing with long term impacts of war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The president could have made his case at the State of the Union but instead played political games. He owes Congress and the American people a full explanation as these actions put American troops at significant risk."

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

"The Islamic Republic of Iran made 'death to America; death to Israel' a central pillar of its brutal rule. For decades, it wielded violence and repression at home and exported violence and terrorism abroad. Today, my prayers are with the brave U.S. and Israeli servicemembers carrying out Operation Epic Fury, and with the people of Iran who have long struggled for the right to determine their own future. A regime that relishes killing Arabs, Israelis, Americans, and its own people deserves no sympathy."

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)

"As yet another preemptive war is begun in the Middle East, John Quincy Adam’s words of wisdom still ring true: "Wherever the standard of freedom and Independence has been or shall be unfurled, there will her heart, her benedictions and her prayers be." Like most Americans I have sympathy for the plight of the Iranian people and all subjected people around the globe, from North Korea to Tibet. But as Adam’s wrote, America: "goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all. She is the champion and vindicator only of her own."

Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-KY)

"President Trump is starting yet another war in the Middle East without the approval of Congress or the American people, putting our troops – who are our neighbors, our family members, and our kids – in harm’s way and spending billions on regime change in another country, all while Americans can barely afford their expenses at home. Speaker Johnson must reconvene the House immediately so Congress can vote on the Iran War Powers Resolution. I will vote to protect our troops and stop Trump's illegal war."

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY)

"I am opposed to this War. This is not "America First." When Congress reconvenes, I will work with Rep. Ro Khanna to force a Congressional vote on war with Iran. The Constitution requires a vote, and your Representative needs to be on record as opposing or supporting this war."

Sen. Todd Young (R-IN)

"Americans should pray for the safety of our brave troops, and for wisdom from their leaders. Iran has refused to dismantle its nuclear program despite repeated American efforts at diplomacy over decades. The Iranian regime has funded terror around the globe—including against thousands of Americans—and murdered its own citizens who peacefully called for freedom. No one wants more conflict in the Middle East, but Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. I look forward to Congress being fully briefed on the operation and included in discussion about any next steps. The American people will have questions pertaining to the nature of threats, risks to our troops and homeland, and objectives sought. Their questions must be answered"

Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN)

"A Trump red line isn’t a warning — it’s a promise."

Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN)

"The Iranian regime has spent decades fueling terror, funding proxy militias, and threatening American interests. President Trump understands that peace comes through strength. He has rebuilt our military, applied economic pressure, and exhausted diplomacy before acting. America cannot allow Iran to destabilize the region or advance its nuclear ambitions. I trust the President’s leadership and pray for our troops and their families. May God protect them and bring lasting peace."

Rep. André Carson (D-IN)

"President Trump continues to put our troops and civilians in danger. I’m a cosponsor of a War Powers Resolution to rein in the president’s reckless and illegal wars. I’m calling on House leadership to immediately bring it to the floor next week. The Iranian people have shown extraordinary courage standing up for their rights over and over again. We need to meaningfully strengthen democracy without another open-ended war."

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