New Mexico Leaders React to Iran Strikes

Reactions range from support to concern over escalating tensions

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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New Mexico leaders have issued a range of reactions to the recent U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran, which killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials. Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman Amy Barela voiced support for the strikes, saying they make the world, the U.S., and New Mexico safer by preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. However, U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, a Democrat, criticized the strikes as Trump's "third Iranian debacle" without Congressional or public support. Clovis Republican Martin Zamora, who is running against Leger Fernández, expressed concern for the safety of U.S. troops but also said he trusts military leaders' decision-making on national security issues.

Why it matters

The strikes on Iran represent a significant escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with potential ramifications for regional stability and global security. New Mexico, home to major military installations like Kirtland Air Force Base, could be impacted by any further conflict. The differing reactions from state leaders highlight the partisan divide over the use of military force against Iran.

The details

The strikes were carried out by the U.S. and Israel, targeting Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials. This came after previous U.S. actions against Iran, including Trump's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and strikes last June that the administration claimed "obliterated" Iran's nuclear facilities. Critics argue the latest strikes lack Congressional and public support, while supporters say they are necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

  • The strikes occurred on Saturday, March 4, 2026.
  • Protesters gathered outside Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque shortly after the strikes were reported.

The players

Bob Anderson

An 81-year-old Air Force veteran and co-director of the local anti-war group Stop the War Machine, who protested the strikes outside Kirtland Air Force Base.

Amy Barela

The Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman, who voiced support for the strikes, saying they make the world, the U.S., and New Mexico safer by preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Teresa Leger Fernández

A Democratic U.S. Representative from New Mexico, who criticized the strikes as Trump's "third Iranian debacle" without Congressional or public support.

Martin Zamora

A Clovis Republican running against Leger Fernández, who expressed concern for the safety of U.S. troops but also said he trusts military leaders' decision-making on national security issues.

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What they’re saying

“Oh, god, here we go again. This could be really bad.”

— Bob Anderson, Co-director of Stop the War Machine (The Eastern New Mexico News)

“I hope all leaders in New Mexico support this action by the Trump administration and see it for what it is: a necessary step to creating peace across the globe.”

— Amy Barela, Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman (The Eastern New Mexico News)

“Remember, Trump blew up the agreement that limited Iran's ability to get nuclear weapons and claimed he 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear facilities last June. This is his third Iranian debacle without the support of Congress or the American people.”

— Teresa Leger Fernández, U.S. Representative (The Eastern New Mexico News)

“We don't know all the details as to why and how and where and everything because of the way it has to be taken care of. We don't need our enemies to know everything ... and then therefore it doesn't get out to the public sometimes. I can see where (information) needs to be kept with the (military) people who understand these issues and how to take care of them.”

— Martin Zamora, Clovis Republican (The Eastern New Mexico News)

What’s next

The U.S. and its allies are expected to closely monitor the situation in Iran and the potential for retaliation from Iran or its proxies. Congress may also consider its role in authorizing any further military action against Iran.

The takeaway

The strikes on Iran have sparked a partisan debate in New Mexico, with Republicans supporting the action as necessary for national security and Democrats criticizing it as an escalation without proper justification or Congressional approval. This divide reflects the broader political tensions surrounding U.S. policy toward Iran.