Republicans largely welcomed strikes launched Saturday by US forces and ally Israel against Iran, but prominent Democrats condemned what they called an illegal aggression.

"Today, Iran is facing the severe consequences of its evil actions," including "terrorism," the murder of Americans and the regime's sustained nuclear ambitions, Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson said in a statement.

Democrats were largely united against the large-scale attack.

The top Democrat in the Senate, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, demanded a briefing to Congress by the Trump administration.

"The American people do not want another endless and costly war in the Middle East when there are so many problems at home," he said.

Many Republicans hailed Trump's decisive action.

Trump has near total control of his Republican Party and dissent is rare.

However, Congressman Thomas Massie broke ranks to say: "I am opposed to this war."

"This is not 'America First," the Republican posted, referring to Trump's widely used campaign slogan.

Democrat Senator Ruben Gallego assailed Trump for contradicting his campaign promises of reducing US military interventions and releasing all files related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

"Trump ran on exposing the paedophiles and stopping wars," he posted

"Trump is now protecting the paedophiles and starting wars." (AFP)


Edited by Tony Sabine