North Dakota Officials Condemn U.S.-Israel Strikes on Iran

Lawmakers criticize military action as dangerous and unconstitutional overreach

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

North Dakota government officials, including the governor, a U.S. senator, and a congresswoman, have issued statements condemning the joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran. They argue the attacks are a dangerous and unconstitutional overreach that will only escalate tensions and instability in the region. However, a U.S. Navy veteran and author named Mike Bedenbaugh has also criticized the strikes, calling them "reckless overreach" that will start another war and cost American lives.

Why it matters

The strong condemnation from North Dakota's political leaders highlights the growing bipartisan opposition to the Trump administration's aggressive foreign policy actions, which are seen as undermining constitutional governance and America's global standing. The criticism also reflects concerns that these strikes could lead to further military conflict and instability in the Middle East.

The details

The joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran were launched in response to the Iranian regime's continued pursuit of nuclear weapons and support for terrorism, according to the Trump administration. North Dakota officials argue the attacks are unconstitutional and will only escalate tensions, with one veteran and author calling them "reckless overreach" that will start another war.

  • The U.S. and Israel launched major combat operations against Iran on Saturday.

The players

Kelly Armstrong

The governor of North Dakota who released a statement condemning the strikes as a threat to freedom and democracy.

John Hoeven

A U.S. senator from North Dakota who issued a statement supporting the strikes as necessary to counter Iran's nuclear and terrorist threats.

Julie Fedorchak

A Republican congresswoman from North Dakota who released a statement supporting the strikes as a necessary response to Iran's aggression.

Mike Bedenbaugh

A U.S. Navy veteran and author who criticized the strikes as "reckless overreach" that will start another war and cost American lives.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Trump administration's decisive action to launch joint strikes with Israel will neutralize the regime's nuclear threat and make the world safer. We thank our military members for defending our freedom with courage and precision, and we pray they remain safe throughout these operations.”

— Kelly Armstrong, Governor of North Dakota (NewsDakota.com)

“These strikes, in coordination with our ally Israel, will keep the regime from rebuilding its nuclear weapons program. We are grateful for our brave servicemembers for their skill and dedication and pray for their safety and success in keeping our nation secure and free.”

— John Hoeven, U.S. Senator from North Dakota (NewsDakota.com)

“War should be avoided at all costs. What happened to America first and stopping endless wars? This will start one and cost military lives. It's reckless and destroys constitutional governance.”

— Mike Bedenbaugh, U.S. Navy Veteran and Author (NewsDakota.com)

What’s next

The Biden administration will likely face pressure to respond to the strikes and de-escalate tensions with Iran.

The takeaway

The strong bipartisan criticism from North Dakota officials highlights the growing concerns over the Trump administration's aggressive foreign policy actions, which are seen as undermining constitutional governance and America's global standing. The strikes on Iran risk further destabilizing the Middle East and embroiling the U.S. in another costly military conflict.