Oklahoma leaders back U.S. combat operations in Iran, call for troop support after Trump announcement

Oklahoma officials respond as U.S. launches new phase of military action in Iran

Oklahoma’s senior federal and state Republican officials publicly voiced support for U.S. strikes on Iran after President Donald Trump announced on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, that American forces had begun “major combat operations” as part of what he described as a “massive and ongoing” campaign.

In an overnight video statement, Trump said the operation’s objectives include eliminating what he called “imminent threats” from Iran, targeting missile capabilities, and preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He also asserted that earlier U.S. strikes in June 2025—described by the administration as Operation Midnight Hammer—had hit nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. The Feb. 28 statement included an appeal to Iranian security forces to surrender and a call for Iranian civilians to remain sheltered as strikes continued.

“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” Trump said in the address announcing the new combat operations.

Statements from Oklahoma’s delegation emphasize backing the mission and service members

Rep. Tom Cole, the Republican who chairs the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, issued a statement supporting the president’s decision and framing the operation as a response to longstanding threats posed by Iran’s government. Cole said the action followed prior warnings and diplomatic efforts and emphasized support for U.S. forces involved in the operation, which the administration has named Operation Epic Fury.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, also a Republican, posted a message calling for prayers and protection for U.S. troops participating in the mission, describing the military as a peacekeeping force and focusing on troop safety.

Rep. Stephanie Bice, a Republican member of Oklahoma’s House delegation, similarly backed the operation and encouraged support for U.S. personnel. Bice’s statement characterized Iran’s government as oppressive and linked the strikes to broader security objectives in the Middle East.

• Rep. Tom Cole: endorsed the operation and urged support for U.S. troops and civilians affected by the conflict.
• Sen. Markwayne Mullin: called for prayers for U.S. service members’ safety during the mission.
• Rep. Stephanie Bice: supported Operation Epic Fury and said she was praying for U.S. forces involved.

Broader context: escalation risks and international fallout

The Feb. 28 operation follows a period of heightened regional tensions and prior U.S. military action against Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. Since the latest strikes began, reports of retaliatory activity and diplomatic maneuvering have accelerated, with international actors calling for de-escalation while the conflict’s trajectory remains uncertain.

As of Saturday, official details about the full scope of targets, operational timelines, and casualties were still emerging. Oklahoma officials’ early reactions, however, largely converged on public support for the mission and on messages backing U.S. troops in the region.