Local and state authorities are on alert following U.S. military bombing campaigns targeting three nuclear sites in Iran this past Saturday.
President Donald Trump confirmed during a national address that B-2 stealth bombers and other aircraft were deployed in the operation, claiming the action has significantly impaired Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
“Following the bombings in Iran, Los Angeles is closely monitoring for any threats to public safety,” said Mayor Karen Bass in a post on X.
“There are no known credible threats at this time, and out of an abundance of caution, LAPD is stepping up patrols near places of worship, community gathering spaces, and other sensitive sites. We will remain vigilant in protecting our communities.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom also remarked on the state’s readiness, stating, “Following the President’s action in Iran, California’s State Threat Assessment Center is actively monitoring for any potential impacts in California.”
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, although he noted that there were no specific or credible counter threats identified as of now.
The military intervention by the United States, aimed at curbing escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, incited protests in downtown Los Angeles over the weekend.
Critics of President Trump’s unilateral military decision have voiced their discontent, with local Democratic representatives expressing concerns over the bypassing of congressional approval.
“I believe Trump’s attack on Iran, hitting three reported nuclear targets, is tantamount to a declaration of war,” stated Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Los Angeles.
She emphasized the need for Congress to confront the president, reminding him of constitutional requirements for declaring war.
Waters pointed out that the United States previously had an agreement with Iran, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which placed limits on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the easing of U.S. sanctions.
This agreement was active until the U.S. withdrew in 2018 during Trump’s first term.
“Trump is out of control and does not contribute to an establishment of peace,” Waters continued.
She added, “It was my understanding that Trump would give two weeks’ consideration to his response to Israel’s attack on Iran, and Iran’s attack on Israel, and he has not done so.
This president must be stopped. I and Members of Congress must confront this issue as soon as we return to Congress. We need peaceful negotiations, not another war.”
Rep. Mike Levin, D-Carlsbad, echoed similar sentiments, expressing concern about the potential for the U.S. falling into another costly military conflict.
Levin stated, “We cannot allow any president to entangle the United States in another deadly and open-ended war without constitutional authority.
Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. But strength in a democracy begins with the Constitution. Had the president come to Congress, a majority may very well have authorized a strike. But that is not what has happened.”
Senator Alex Padilla also criticized the unilateral nature of the military strikes. He affirmed the necessity of dismantling Iran’s nuclear program for national security while stressing the importance of adhering to constitutional processes.
“Dismantling Iran’s nuclear weapons program is imperative for America’s national security and essential to Israel’s safety and right to exist,” Padilla said.
“However, it is unacceptable that the president disregarded his constitutional responsibility to seek and secure congressional authorization before launching these strikes.
Before any further military action is taken, President Trump must come before Congress. That’s not just a matter of process — it’s a matter of law.
Trump risks igniting a wider war in the region that puts American lives at risk, and that he himself has warned repeatedly against.
That’s why we must exhaust every diplomatic channel, working with our allies and partners to contain escalation in the region.”
In contrast, Republican representatives voiced their support for the president’s military actions.
Rep. Young Kim, R-Mission Viejo, stated, “The military’s targeted actions against Iranian nuclear sites are necessary to deter Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and save lives.
I thank our military for their service in this critical operation to restore peace through strength and am glad they are safely on the way home.”
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Escondido, also backed the military action.
“Tonight, @realDonaldTrump is showing the world the true meaning of peace through strength. And American strength is making peace with Iran possible for the first time in 46 years,” Issa posted on X.
U.S. bombs targeted Iranian atomic sites located at Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. These strikes followed earlier Israeli airstrikes on June 13 that aimed at both nuclear and military facilities, reportedly resulting in the deaths of at least 657 people, including 263 civilians, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has articulated that Israel’s objective is to eliminate the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear capabilities. In light of this, he stated that attacks will persist “for as long as it takes.”
In the immediate aftermath of the U.S. military strikes, protesters assembled in Los Angeles’ Pershing Square, emphasizing their opposition to military interventions.
Organizers noted on Instagram, “The people of Los Angeles are taking to the streets in Downtown to demand an end to the war on Iran, on our migrants, and on Gaza!
We are here alongside over 30 organizations to show the world that LA rejects U.S. military intervention, and to make it clear that our movements will only continue to grow and strengthen and unite in confrontation of Zionism and U.S. imperialism.
Arms embargo now! No war! No deportations! No occupation!”
image source from：nbclosangeles
