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Pennsylvania Republican Senator Dave McCormick is throwing his full support behind the ongoing U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran, saying the Islamic Republic poses a unique danger to America and its allies.
McCormick voiced his backing following the launch of Operation Epic Fury, a sweeping joint U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign that U.S. Central Command described as the largest regional concentration of American military firepower in a generation. Targets included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command and control facilities, as well as missile and drone launch sites. According to the BBC, a school building was also struck, resulting in 148 deaths.
Speaking on Fox News's Fox News Sunday, McCormick praised President Trump's handling of the situation. "This president has stood up for the Iranian people," McCormick said. "He's given Iran, the leadership, the ayatollahs, every opportunity for an off-ramp. Sadly, they didn't take it."
McCormick added, "Now we need to push the moment. We need to stay on offense and eliminate this capability to kill Americans, to kill Israelis, to kill our allies."
In a statement released on Facebook, McCormick said President Trump gave Iran's regime "a chance for a deal," but they "rejected a path to peace and prosperity." He added, "I am praying for our brave troops and our steadfast allies who stand with us during this challenging and noble mission."
President Trump described the operation as the opening phase of a campaign aimed at devastating Iran's military, dismantling its nuclear program, and bringing about regime change. In a video posted during the strikes, according to The Hill, President Trump urged Iranians to act. "Finally, to the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand," he said. "When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations."
McCormick said he believes regime change is coming in Iran, but does not expect a prolonged military presence. "We're not going to be able to fix Iran," he said. "The Iranian people are going to have to step up."
Meanwhile, late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son was named Iran's new supreme leader over the weekend — a choice President Trump called "unacceptable." Fox News reported that Khamenei was not in Tehran during the initial strikes and was moved to a secure location. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News that both Khamenei and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are alive.
Iran responded to the strikes by launching missiles and drones at Israel and U.S. military bases in the region, and also striking Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Qatar. Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, vowed retaliation in a televised address. According to the Associated Press, Ghalibaf said, "You have crossed our red line and must pay the price. We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg."
Pennsylvania's other U.S. Senator, John Fetterman, a Democrat, also released a statement, saying, "God bless the United States, our great military, and Israel." Back in Washington, McCormick used the moment to call on Democrats to support Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding. "Now would be a good time for Democrats to drop their opposition to DHS funding and pass the bill to support our homeland security," he wrote on X. "Continuing to play political games with our national security given the unfolding situation in the Middle East is dangerous."
The situation in the Middle East remains fluid. Leaders in Tehran have pledged to continue fighting back, and the long-term outcome of the strikes — including potential regime change and nuclear negotiations — remains unclear.