BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — Lawmakers representing Berkeley County and the Lowcountry are responding after President Donald Trump announced a major U.S. military operation targeting Iran, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions overseas.
In a national address Saturday at approximately 2:30 a.m., Trump confirmed the start of what he described as “major combat operations,” saying the mission is aimed at protecting Americans and stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
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“We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground,” Trump said. “We will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.”
The president framed the operation as a response to decades of aggression, calling Iran “the world’s number one state sponsor of terror” and warning that retaliation is possible.
“Courageous American heroes may be lost,” Trump said. “But we’re doing this for the future.”
Hours later, Trump announced the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling it “justice for the people of Iran” and saying the strikes would continue “as long as necessary.”
Support from Republican leaders
Several Republican leaders representing South Carolina voiced strong support for the operation.
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham called the military action “necessary and long justified,” adding, “The end of the largest state sponsor of terrorism is upon us.”
U.S. Sen. Tim Scott echoed that sentiment, saying, “Many presidents talk. President Donald J. Trump acts,” while praising what he called decisive leadership and warning Iran against further escalation.
Scott later acknowledged the human cost of the operation, noting that three U.S. service members were killed.
“Americans mourn the loss of three brave U.S. service members,” Scott said. “We pray for the full recovery of those wounded.”
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, who represents portions of Berkeley County, also responded following the reported death of Khamenei, calling it “the end of a dark era” and emphasizing support for the Iranian people.
“America stands firmly with those seeking liberty and will always stand for freedom over tyranny,” Mace said.
Closer to home, the Berkeley County Republican Party posted a message of support on social media Saturday, sharing an image of the American flag with the words: “We are going to win.”
Concerns from Democratic leaders
Democratic leaders, including those representing parts of Berkeley County, raised concerns about the legality and potential consequences of the operation.
U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn questioned the administration’s decision to move forward without congressional approval.
“The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war for a reason,” Clyburn said. “The Trump Administration… has put American lives at risk despite the apparent absence of an imminent threat.”
Clyburn also warned of the risks of prolonged conflict, pointing to past U.S. involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya.
“At this case, we need only remember the recent past… to expect that another major American military campaign in the Middle East will encounter significant challenges,” he said.
At the state level, Rep. Roger Kirby, whose district includes parts of Berkeley County, struck a more somber tone.
“Prayers for peace… prayers for our brave men and women who serve our country… prayers for all those innocent souls who are in harm’s way,” Kirby said.
As of Sunday, the Berkeley County Democratic Party had not issued a public statement.
What happens next
The operation—referred to by officials as “Operation Epic Fury”—is expected to continue in the coming days, with Trump signaling that strikes will persist until U.S. objectives are achieved.
As the situation develops, leaders on both sides of the aisle are urging vigilance, with supporters emphasizing national security and critics calling for constitutional oversight.
For now, the focus remains on the troops deployed overseas and the uncertainty of what comes next.
