U.S. military strikes, reaction | Ohio leaders respond | heat advisory, more

By David Jacobs

Jun 23, 2025

American Legion shares update aftermath of U.S strikes in Iran

NEW LONDON — The American Legion in New London is closely monitoring the aftermath of U.S. military strikes in Iran.

A public message posted Sunday by the New London American Legion Auxiliary Broome-Wood Unit 292 relayed remarks from National Commander James LaCoursiere on the bombing of nuclear facilities on Saturday in Iran.

"The safety and security of our men and women in uniform — along with U.S. citizens at home and abroad—must remain a top priority as this situation [evolves],” LaCoursiere said.

The American Legion, a veterans organization chartered in 1919, regularly issues public statements through its leadership on military and national security matters. Broome-Wood Unit 292 is part of its national auxiliary network, based in New London.

The New London American Legion Broome-Wood Post 292. (Photo by David Jacobs)

AT A GLANCE

Dubbed "Operation Midnight Hammer," Centcom deployed multiple combined assets to inflict significant damage at the Iranian sites of Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan, the U.S. Department of Defense said.

After proceeding quietly and with minimal communication for 18 hours from the U.S. to the target area, the first of seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers dropped two 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator "bunker buster" bombs at the Fordo site at approximately 6:40 p.m. Saturday EDT, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a statement.

A timeline of events as provided by the U.S. Department of Defense.

OHIO REACTIONS

Reactions were coming in Sunday to U.S. air strikes at three Iranian nuclear sites the previous evening.

NEW: Israeli jets hit nuclear facility again, notorious Iranian prison, per reports early Monday.

black plane under blue sky during daytime — Undated photo of U.S. B-2 bomber by Steve Harvey on Unsplash

In the aftermath of U.S. strikes on Saturday, here is a look at reactions, via social media/public statements, from some members of Ohio's Congressional delegation and Vice President Vance, who is from Ohio:

"Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. The president took decisive action to stop Iran’s nuclear program. Now is the time for peace. God bless and protect our troops."

-- U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, and congressman for New London and Huron County

"God Bless the United States Military. God Bless President Trump."

-- U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, and congressman for Shelby area

"Iran’s stated goal is ‘Death to America,’ and it has made its intent to develop nuclear weapons clear. Those weapons would pose an unacceptable threat to America and our allies. In the absence of meaningful diplomacy from Iran, the president has taken appropriate action to prevent the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism from producing these weapons. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Strength and certainty are the best pathways to peace and America’s national security. Thanks to the American military for the successful strike."

-- U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio

"Preventing a nuclear Iran is in America’s national interest. President Trump gave, and is still giving, Iran an opportunity to make a deal. We don’t seek conflict. Endless wars enrich elites and harm our working class. I’m praying for peace and thankful we have President Trump."

-- U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R- Ohio

"There was no congressional vote, no debate, nor even any discussion with Congress, with leaders of key intelligence committees reportedly left in the dark. This is not the way our Republic is supposed to function because that is not how our Constitution reads. I will continue to demand answers in a secure confidential Congressional briefing in the coming days. May God bless America and our people.”

-- U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo

“A nuclear-armed Iran is a serious threat to regional and global security. But President Trump’s unilateral action, taken without the constitutionally required approval of Congress, puts U.S. troops across the region in harm’s way and risks drawing our nation into another war in the Middle East. President Trump must respect the Constitution and pursue peace."

-- U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Columbus

"We’re not at war with Iran … We destroyed the Iranian nuclear program … and we did it without endangering the lives of American pilots. That’s an incredible thing.”

— Vice President JD Vance of Ohio on “Meet the Press”

A CLOSER LOOK

National reporter Lisa Remillard of FactsHQ covered this story live on Saturday night and shared this video below. You can see her full coverage here, which includes photos released by the White House.