'I was shocked': Democrats react to Trump's threat against Iran
Tensions are rising in the conflict with Iran as the clock ticks toward President Donald Trump's 8 p.m. deadline for the country to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The president issued an alarming warning on social media Tuesday, writing that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again." He added, "I don't want that to happen, but it probably will."
Iran has remained defiant, threatening to "deprive the U.S. and its allies of the region's oil for years" if Trump follows through on vows to strike energy and civilian infrastructure.
Reports from the region indicate some Iranians have gathered on bridges and near power plants, forming human chains in protest and solidarity.
Lawmakers across the Philadelphia region weighed in on the president's rhetoric.
"I was shocked that a president, a sitting president, would express those particular thoughts," said Rep. Dwight Evans, D-Pa.
"I don't know that we can necessarily believe that this president has it in him to pull back. And that's one of the things that I think is most worrisome," said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa.
"Republicans are, by and large, still silent," said Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Del. "They know what this president has said is wrong. They are privately appalled by his rhetoric, but they do not have the courage to stand up."
Action News reached out to every Republican member of Congress representing the Philadelphia region, including Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mackenzie, Dan Meuser and Jeff Van Drew, as well as Sen. Dave McCormick. None responded or agreed to an interview.
In a statement posted on X, Rep. Meuser said, "President Trump has given Iranian leadership many opportunities to negotiate and relinquish their terrorist goals. It is up to the leadership to step up and do what's best for the people of Iran."
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