Connecticut state officials are weighing in on the United States-Israeli strikes against Iran overnight.

“President Trump’s decision, along with Israel, to launch direct military action against Iran to achieve regime change is a disaster in the making. He is risking the lives of American personnel and the stability of the entire region, without Congressional approval and without any articulated plan. This is yet another unilateral decision from President Trump, which risks a wider war in the Middle East that the American people do not support. Americans are demanding help with the cost-of-living crisis, but President Trump would rather start another war, potentially driving up energy prices, than listen to them.”

"Everything I have heard from the Administration before and after these strikes on Iran confirms this is a war of choice with no strategic endgame. As I expressed to Secretary Rubio when he briefed the Gang of Eight, military action in this region almost never ends well for the United States, and conflict with Iran can easily spiral and escalate in ways we cannot anticipate. It does not appear that Donald Trump has learned the lessons of history.

"The President’s own statement acknowledges this is war, and the Constitution requires the Administration to come to Congress for authorization, something it has not done. Next week, the House will vote on a war powers resolution, and I will support that resolution. In the meantime, I will be praying for the safety of our servicemembers and all civilians who are in harm’s way."

“War must always be a last resort and never a first choice. The Trump Administration seems to be engaging in a war of choice that rejects opportunities for diplomacy. A nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable and Iran’s malign activities throughout the region pose a severe danger, but President Trump has failed to explain to the American people his objectives, end game, or exit strategy – risking another forever war. This attack fits a pattern of unilateral action without accountability to the American people. I believe that Congress should come back into session, demand answers on behalf of Americans, and act on the Iran War Powers Resolution. My foremost concern is the safety and wellbeing of the men and women in our armed forces and their families who are in harm’s way.”

“Today, President Trump ordered a large-scale military operation inside Iran. This decision came just days after mediators described the recent talks as "the most serious and constructive discussions in years.

The Iranian regime is brutal, corrupt, and repressive, but today's bombing will not lead to lasting regime change in the country. The President has not articulated the objectives, the timeline, or the day after plans for Iran, and there have been no reports of any credible intelligence of an imminent threat.

In his address to the nation, President Trump stated, “The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties.” Placing U.S. troops in immediate danger risks igniting a broader regional war in the Middle East and ultimately makes Americans less safe.

Only Congress has the formal authority to declare war, and I will vote on a war powers resolution to prohibit unauthorized military action against Iran or any country without congressional approval. I will always advocate for diplomatic solutions to ensure the safety of American citizens, rather than impulsive and dangerous military strikes.

The American people must be assured that actions like this are absolutely necessary and in our best interest. Our history has taught us the consequence of never ending wars in this region. I pray for the service members and civilians who are now in harms way.”

“Trump's attacks on Iran are dangerously illegal and a mistake of staggering scale. Has he learned nothing from decades of U.S. military disaster in the Middle East? Has he spent not one single minute studying the lives lost and trillions wasted in Iraq and Afghanistan and Syria and Libya? The American public does not want our President dragging us into another totally unnecessary conflict in a far-off land. They want him to focus on American lives — lives that are being ruined by an economy beset by flat wages, disappearing jobs, rising prices, and widespread corruption.

“A military action to eliminate Iran's nuclear program was totally unnecessary. We had a diplomatic deal to do that. It was working until Trump — against the advice of all his advisors — tore it to shreds. Trump willfully precipitated this crisis.

“As for Trump's stated goal of regime change, he should be very careful what he wishes for. If he fails in his goal, it hardens Iranian resolve to make trouble for the U.S. and our allies. If it succeeds, the chances are better that an even more repressive, more anti-Israel and anti-U.S. hardline government emerges out of the rubble than a tolerant, inclusive Iranian democracy will.

“The American people now see Trump for who he is — a would-be dictator who does not care what Americans think or want, cares nothing about our sacred Constitution or our laws, and sees himself as a kind of eighteenth-century king with unlimited power to drag all of us into disastrous wars overseas without the consent of the people.

“No, in America, we have no kings. One doddering, self-obsessed old man does not get to decide if we go to war. The people — through a vote of Congress — decide. That's what our Constitution says. It's clear as day. And Congress should be called back into session this afternoon to immediately begin debate on legislation that would approve or deny the President's illegal war against Iran.

“I am praying for the safety of U.S. forces today. They are being led into war by a leader who is out of control. Congress must do our constitutional duty and reign him in, before it’s too late.”

“This declaration of war by President Trump is yet another abomination of the rule of law, in direct violation of Article I of the Constitution, and the authority of Congress to declare war,” said Larson. “Congress needs to take this up before we send our young men and women into harm’s way. I am calling on Speaker Johnson to immediately reconvene the House, instead of canceling workdays at Trump’s behest. We will vote on a resolution next week to remove our Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran and call upon the President to come before Congress to make his case. This president has broken yet another campaign promise to stop endless wars all over the world. This is what an authoritarian ruler does, because he believes he is above the law and the Constitution.”