U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy said President Donald Trump “acted with strength and clarity to eliminate a grave threat to our nation, our allies and the world” after the U.S. military hit three sites in Iran in an attempt to destroy Iran’s nuclear program early Sunday.

New York’s two U.S. senators, while expressing support for U.S. service personnel involved in the operation, were critical of the president “unilaterally” taking military action against Iran without approval from Congress.

Langworthy, R-23rd District, said after Iran refused “every diplomatic path and persisted in its dangerous pursuit of nuclear weapons, the president was left with no choice but to defend American interests and global security.

“We honor and salute the brave men and women of the United States military who executed this critical mission with precision, courage and professionalism,” the congressman added. “By destroying Iran’s nuclear sites, President Trump demonstrated bold leadership, unshakable resolve and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding our homeland and our allies.”

Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon in Washington on Sunday after the U.S. military struck three sites in Iran, directly joining Israel’s effort to destroy the country’s nuclear program. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Langworthy said the action sends an unmistakable message: “The United States will never tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran, and we will stand firm and unflinching against aggression and terror.”

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said she was grateful no U.S. service members were harmed during the military operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities and that she is praying for American troops and citizens in the (Middle East). She added she will work with state and local authorities across the state to ensure security measures are ramped up.

“Throughout my career, I have been a steadfast champion of Israel, leading U.S. support for Iron Dome and initiatives to strengthen the alliance between our nations,” Gillibrand, a a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. “I have long supported efforts to ensure that Iran, the foremost exporter of terrorism in the world, cannot obtain a nuclear weapon.

“However, I am deeply concerned by President Trump’s decision to unilaterally launch these attacks without seeking congressional authorization, as required by the Constitution,” she said. “The Trump administration must fully explain to the American people the rationale for this military action and a strategy to avoid being mired in another Middle Eastern war, and it must give Congress a full intelligence briefing immediately.”

Gillibrand said no further military actions should be allowed without proper congressional approval.

“Avoiding further escalation is essential to the peace and security of Israel, the U.S. and our partners in the region,” she said. “I urge the president and Iran to pursue a diplomatic resolution to this conflict.”

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called on Trump to “provide the American people and Congress clear answers on the actions taken (late Saturday) and their implications for the safety of Americans.

“No president should be allowed to unilaterally march this nation into something as consequential as war with erratic threats and no strategy,” Schumer said in a statement following the strikes in Iran.

“Confronting Iran’s ruthless campaign of terror, nuclear ambitions, and regional aggression demands strength, resolve and strategic clarity,” he added. “The danger of wider, longer and more devastating war has now dramatically increased.”

Schumer said Congress must enforce the War Powers Act and urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, to put it on the Senate floor immediately.

“I am voting for it and implore all senators on both sides of the aisle to vote for it,” the New York Democrat said, referring to legislation that limits the president’s power to unilaterally approve prolonged military actions abroad without authorization from Congress.

HOCHUL ADDRESSES SECURITY

Gov. Kathy Hochul said she convened her senior public safety team and reached out to  officials in the federal as well as local governments when she learned of the strikes. She said she’s been in close contact with State Police Superintendent Steven G. James and the state’s homeland security, counterterrorism and cybersecurity experts.

“We are not aware of any specific or credible threat to New Yorkers” the govdernor stated Sunday. “However, given New York’s distinctive global profile, we are taking this situation extraordinarily seriously.”

Hochul said all state agencies, utilities and other critical infrastructure facilities are on high alert to monitor for any possible disturbances. As a precaution, the MTA and Port Authority activated counterterrorism protections in partnership with local law enforcement. The state police will continue safety patrols outside houses of worship and other at-risk sites, she said.

“I recognize this is a time of fear and uncertainty for New Yorkers,” the governor said. “We have some of America’s largest Jewish and Muslim communities, and many have loved ones in the region. As we work to keep New Yorkers safe, we pray for the safety of our American troops, for speedy deescalation of this conflict, and for durable peace in the region.”

NEGOTIATION DOOR OPEN

The Associated Press reported Sunday afternoon that the Trump administration signaled a willingness to renew talks with Iran and avoid a prolonged war in the aftermath of a surprise attack on three of the country’s nuclear sites.

Trump, who had addressed the nation from the White House on Saturday night, allowed his national security team to speak for him Sunday. AP reported the coordinated messaging by his vice president, Pentagon chief, top military adviser and secretary of state suggested a confidence that any fallout from the attack would be manageable and that Iran’s lack of military capabilities would ultimately force it back to the bargaining table.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at a news conference that America “does not seek war” with Iran while Vice President JD Vance said the strikes have given Tehran the possibility of returning to negotiate with Washington.

“Operation Midnight Hammer, involved decoys and deception, and met with no Iranian resistance, according to Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“This mission was not and has not been about regime change,” Hegseth added. Caine said the goal of the operation — destroying nuclear sites in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan — had been achieved.

“Final battle damage will take some time, but initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction,” Caine said.

Vance said in a television interview that while he would not discuss “sensitive intelligence about what we’ve seen on the ground,” he felt “very confident that we’ve substantially delayed their development of a nuclear weapon.”

Pressed further, he told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that “I think that we have really pushed their program back by a very long time. I think that it’s going to be many many years before the Iranians are able to develop a nuclear weapon.”