Mid-South Lawmakers Divided Over Iran Strikes

Some praise the military action, while others condemn it as opening a 'darker chapter'.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Lawmakers in the Mid-South region have issued mixed reactions to the recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran. While some, like Congressman David Kustoff, praised the action as a necessary response to Iran's aggression, others, such as State Representative Justin J. Pearson, condemned the strikes as opening an 'even darker chapter' and called for Congress to vote to stop the conflict.

Why it matters

The differing reactions from Mid-South lawmakers highlight the ongoing political divisions over U.S. foreign policy and the use of military force, particularly in the Middle East. The strikes against Iran could have significant implications for regional stability and America's relationships with its allies and adversaries.

The details

The U.S. and Israel launched a joint military strike against Iran on Saturday, with President Donald Trump urging Iranian citizens to 'seize control of your destiny' and rise up against the Iranian government. In response, Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson issued a statement condemning the action as opening 'an even darker chapter' and calling for Congress to vote on a War Powers Resolution to stop the conflict. Conversely, Congressman David Kustoff praised the strike, thanking Trump for 'taking decisive action to defend our national security' in response to Iran's 'sustained campaign of violence' against the U.S. and its allies.

  • The U.S. and Israel launched the military strikes against Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

The players

Justin J. Pearson

Tennessee State Representative who condemned the military strikes against Iran as opening 'an even darker chapter' and called for Congress to vote to stop the conflict.

David Kustoff

U.S. Congressman who praised the strikes against Iran, thanking President Trump for 'taking decisive action to defend our national security' in response to Iran's aggression.

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What they’re saying

“The announcement that the President has taken our country into war with Iran opens an even darker chapter in our nation's history. We cannot bomb our way to peace. The American people do not want more forever wars for regime change, risking lives at home and abroad. Congress must immediately vote on a War Powers Resolution to stop this conflict.”

— Justin J. Pearson, Tennessee State Representative (localmemphis.com)

“For decades, the Iranian regime has led a sustained campaign of violence against the United States and our allies. It has armed proxy forces that have killed and wounded Americans, targeted our embassies and military installations, and threatened our homeland. As Iran continued to advance its nuclear program while driving conflict across the region, a response became unavoidable.”

— David Kustoff, U.S. Congressman (localmemphis.com)

What’s next

Congress is expected to hold a vote on a War Powers Resolution in the coming days to determine the future of U.S. military involvement in the conflict with Iran.

The takeaway

The mixed reactions from Mid-South lawmakers highlight the ongoing political divisions over the use of military force, particularly in the Middle East. As the U.S. and its allies continue to confront Iran's aggression, the path forward will likely depend on the outcome of the congressional debate and the broader implications for regional stability and America's global standing.