‘Iran’s brutal regime must be held accountable,’ Murkowski says after attacks by US and Israel

Trump says Iran’s supreme leader killed; Alaska’s congressional delegation denounces that country’s leadership, but also seeks more details about US intentions

A building Iran’s government says was destroyed in an attack by the United States and Israel is shown in an official state TV broadcast on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (Screenshot from Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting video)

By Mark Sabbatini

Juneau Independent

This is a developing story.

Words of support for a major assault on Iran by the United States and Israel, which President Trump says resulted in the death of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were offered Saturday morning by U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska.

"I commend the extraordinary bravery, discipline, and professionalism of the troops who carried out this mission, and thank our allies for their swift and decisive coordination to protect our servicemembers in the immediate aftermath of these strikes," she stated in a social media message. "We pray for their safety, and for the innocent civilian lives that were lost."

Dozens of attacks by U.S. and Israel forces were carried out in the Iranian capital of Tehran and other parts of the country starting at about 9 p.m. Alaska time on Friday, according to The New York Times. Iran’s government has confirmed the death of Khamenei, the nation’s supreme leader for almost 37 years.

In retaliation, Iran carried out attacks across the Middle East that included Israel, Bahrain, Syria, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social video posted Saturday, called for the overthrow of Iran’s government, and said the attacks targeting Iran’s nuclear program are intended to “raze their missile industry to the ground” and “annihilate their navy."

Murkowski, notorious as being one of the few Republican members of Congress to openly oppose Trump on numerous policies, stated "there is no question that Iran’s brutal regime must be held accountable for its ongoing aggression abroad and its ruthless repression of its own people." But she also qualified that statement by declaring she wants further information about the reasons for the attack.

"Last summer, following Operation Midnight Hammer, I supported the administration’s targeted actions in Iran after receiving a comprehensive briefing from senior officials," she stated. "Events are rapidly unfolding, and I expect Congress to receive the same level of engagement so we fully understand the scope, objectives, and risks of any further military action."

Statements by the other two members of Alaska’s congressional delegation — Sen. Dan Sullivan and U.S. Rep. Nick Begich III, both of whom are strong Trump supporters — also expressed support for action against Iran’s government.

"The terrorist leaders of Iran have, in essence, been at war with the United States since the Ayatollahs took over Iran in 1979," Sullivan asserted in a social media statement. "They have killed and maimed thousands of American service members over the years: the Beirut Marine barracks, Khobar Towers, and roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan. The regime has even recently attempted to assassinate President Trump. That’s why a bipartisan goal of every president since the Iranian revolution has been to ensure that the largest state sponsor of terrorism doesn’t have nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles."

Begich offered the strongest specific support for the attacks, calling them "a necessary and targeted response."

"The path forward cannot be centered on further appeasement, but the removal of this corrupt, fanatical leadership that has brought suffering to the Iranian people and threatens our peace at home," he declared in a statement. "In so doing, we can provide the people of Iran the opportunity to change leadership, reclaim their sovereignty, and chart a new course."

As with Murkowski, Begich stated he wants additional details about the Trump administration’s plans.

"I look forward to the forthcoming classified briefing to Congress on these actions, which will provide Members with critical details on the operation, its objectives, and next steps to ensure our national security interests are fully protected," Begich stated.

Democrats in the U.S. Senate are demanding a war powers vote following the attacks.

"The Senate should immediately return to session and vote on my War Powers Resolution to block the use of U.S. forces in hostilities against Iran," Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said in a prepared statement about what he called "Trump’s illegal war with Iran."

A war powers resolution targeting the Trump administration's actions in Venezuela, including widespread bombardments and capturing its president, failed in both the House and Senate in January.

• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.