Arkansas Officials Voice Support for U.S. Strikes Against Iran

Current and former state leaders praise President Trump's decision to launch military operation against Iran

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Current and former Arkansas officials, including Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and her father, former Gov. Mike Huckabee, have voiced their support for the U.S. military strikes against Iran. The state's all-Republican congressional delegation has also signaled approval for the operation, citing Iran's history of sponsoring terrorism and pursuing nuclear weapons.

Why it matters

The strikes against Iran represent a significant escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have been adversaries for decades. Arkansas officials' vocal support for the operation reflects the state's conservative political leanings and its close ties to the Trump administration through figures like the Huckabee family.

The details

The U.S. and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on Saturday, with explosions reported in Tehran. Arkansas officials quickly took to social media to voice their approval, with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and former Gov. Mike Huckabee, who is now U.S. Ambassador to Israel, praising President Trump's decision. The state's entire Republican congressional delegation also signaled support, with Sen. Tom Cotton and Rep. Rick Crawford, who chair the Senate and House Intelligence Committees, respectively, citing Iran's history of sponsoring terrorism and pursuing nuclear weapons.

  • The military operation was launched on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
  • The Associated Press reported explosions in Tehran around 30 minutes before Arkansas officials began posting their reactions on social media.

The players

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

The current governor of Arkansas and daughter of former governor Mike Huckabee.

Mike Huckabee

The former governor of Arkansas who is now the U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

Tom Cotton

The U.S. Senator from Arkansas who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Rick Crawford

The U.S. Representative from Arkansas's 1st congressional district who chairs the House Intelligence Committee.

John Boozman

The U.S. Senator from Arkansas.

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What they’re saying

“I am proud of President @realDonaldTrump for standing up to evil and for my parents who will not leave Israel and abandon their post. I believe God put them there for such a time as this, and am inspired by their faith and courage. May God bless our President, our amazing military and all those willing to risk their lives in the fight for good against evil.”

— Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas (X)

“Thank you @POTUS for strong American leadership to stop the killing and threats to Americans for the past 47 years. You gave them many chances to do it peacefully & they said no. Even as I sit in the bullseye of it, I am grateful for a strong President & a strong America.”

— Mike Huckabee, Former Governor of Arkansas, U.S. Ambassador to Israel (Twitter)

“A nuclear-weapons program. Thousands of missiles. State sponsorship of terror. Iran has waged war against the U.S. for 47 years: the hostage crisis, the Beirut Marine barracks, Khobar Towers, roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan that killed or maimed thousands of American soldiers, the attempted assassination of President Trump. The butcher's bill has finally come due for the ayatollahs. May God bless and protect our troops on this vital mission of vengeance, and justice, and safety.”

— Tom Cotton, U.S. Senator from Arkansas, Chair of Senate Intelligence Committee (Twitter)

“Operation 'Epic Fury' was launched against the nation of Iran last night. Prior to the initiation of this action, in earnest diplomatic engagements with Iran, President Trump was very clear about his red line from the start and his expectations of Iran during these negotiations. Iran absolutely cannot be allowed to maintain a nuclear weapon or capabilities. The safety and security of Americans and our allies are on the line. Furthermore, President Trump has given Iran plenty of opportunities to take the diplomatic route.”

— Rick Crawford, U.S. Representative from Arkansas, Chair of House Intelligence Committee (Statement)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.