Reactions to U.S. attack on Iran

Here we go again — the tail wagging the dog. Another Republican president apparently takes us to war under false pretenses [“Trump open to regime change in Iran after bomb strikes,” News, June 23].

President Donald Trump, at the urging of his “good friend” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the cheering section at conservative media, has started a war unilaterally.

There was no clear and imminent threat to the United States. Constitutionally, he needed to first go to Congress before attacking.

I agree that Iran should never have a nuclear weapon. However, as far as some intelligence reports advised, Iran is not close to developing a nuclear bomb. What happened to diplomacy?

Trump will do anything to distract us from his domestic and international failures. So, loads of money will be spent again, and thousands of lives may be lost because of this man’s hubris and congressional Republicans’ refusal to do its job and stop him.

— William Donnellan, Baiting Hollow

I was glad Israel had first made precision strikes on Iranian military leadership and government sites. A nuclear-armed Iran is simply not acceptable — not for Israel, not for the region, and not for the world.

It is both tragic and deplorable that Iran continues to retaliate by targeting Israeli civilians. Just eight days ago, a missile launched by Iran struck a residential building in Petah Tikva, killing four innocent people. That building is where my son had a haircut about three weeks ago. The loss is personal and heartbreaking.

Iran’s oppressive, terror-supporting regime must be confronted with urgency. This is not just about geopolitics — it’s about protecting lives and standing up for democratic values.

I don’t understand the silence. Where is the public outrage over Iran’s targeting of civilians? Where are the voices of those who took to the streets supporting Hamas, now that Iran is openly attacking innocent people in Israel — the only democracy in the Middle East?

The double standard is stark. Israel issues advance warnings before military action to avoid civilian harm. Iran launches missiles indiscriminately, including against Haifa, whose population is more than 10% Arab. The world must take a stand — now.

— Shawn Brown, Jericho

These attacks’ potentially lethal consequences are a preemptive act of war against Iran. Donald Trump declaring this a one-off is a déjà vu of then-President George W. Bush’s attacks in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Trump refused to trust our CIA and top experts who said Iran’s nuclear weapons capability wasn’t imminent. He listened only to like-minded, inexperienced appointees, allies, and news pundits.

Trump’s stated goal was to force Iran to negotiate. However, not only were talks scheduled before Israel’s initial attacks, but Iran was meeting with our allies to discuss possible diplomatic solutions during Trump’s two-week interim deciding whether to attack.

Congress needs to act now to ensure that Trump doesn’t act recklessly, perhaps using nuclear weapons without congressional approval.

— Marge Acosta, Centerport

I am disgusted with all the attention on Iran’s nuclear program. As a sovereign state, Iran has the right to arm itself any way it wants, including nuclear. After all, its neighbor Pakistan, also an Islamic nation, has nuclear weapons.

The problem is that Iran under its ayatollah sponsors unrest in the Middle East. It arms Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis and has sent troops into Syria. The issue is the ayatollahs and Iranian government, not their nuclear program. The only reason the program is an issue is that Iran cannot be trusted to keep it peaceful.

If we want a peaceful Iran, we need to eliminate the current ruling people. That unfortunately cannot be negotiated. Negotiating uranium enrichment is focusing on a symptom and a waste of time, money and energy.

— Ira Perlman, Coram

As a mother of 19-year-old twin daughters unable to leave Israel due to the war with Iran, I was featured in Saturday’s Newsday article highlighting the deep concern shared by so many families [“On Long Island, anxiety and hope among those with ties to region,” News, June 21].

My daughters, like roughly 2,500 other American yeshiva and seminary students, have completed their academic year. Some have been asked to vacate their dormitories. They remain in Israel without a clear, safe, or organized way home.

While El Al has begun evacuating just 50 people per flight and the U.S. State Department is offering limited charter options, this process is moving too slowly. Some students are now resorting to unofficial and unsafe exit routes — through Egypt, Jordan, and Cyprus — further escalating the danger.

I’ve been working directly with congressional offices to prioritize this vulnerable group, ensure students can remain with their school groups for logistical and emotional safety, and coordinate secure travel through recognized airports with the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

This is a national issue affecting thousands of Americans who are abroad. We need our government to act swiftly and decisively. Time is of the essence.

— Sari Kahn, West Hempstead