Delegates across Massachusetts spoke out after President Trump’s actions bombing nuclear sites in Iran on Sunday, calling for checks on presidents’ war powers and praising the “tough decision” to set back Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Pentagon officials confirmed “Operation Midnight Hammer” on Sunday, a military action in which over 125 aircrafts mobilized to strike three nuclear sites in Iran. Trump administration officials stated Sunday the operation was targeted to disrupt the country’s nuclear capabilities and not part of a broader war plan.

The operation was carried out without Congressional approval, a move which many Democrat lawmakers across Massachusetts called “unconstitutional” and argued violated Congress’s sole responsibility to declare war.

“No president has the unilateral authority to carry out a direct military action this significant and with such potential consequences without first coming to Congress,” Rep. Stephen Lynch, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform ranking member. … “Now Congress must immediately reclaim our Constitutional authority and conduct rigorous oversight of President Trump’s decision to carry out this attack.”

Lynch joined Rep. Jim McGovern and others in expressing vocal support for the “War Powers Resolution” introduced in Congress last week by Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie. The resolution aims to block “unauthorized hostilities” on Iran without the consent of Congress.

“Only Congress can declare war — and the Senate must vote immediately to prevent another endless war,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren. “This is a horrific war of choice.”

But other Congressional representatives argued Trump remained within his “Article 2 authority” during the strikes, including Sen. Lindsey Graham who said “Congress can declare war or cut off funding” during a Sunday morning NBC “Meet the Press” interview.

The MassGOP “commended” Trump on the “tough decision to use military force to ensure that Iran will never be capable of carrying out widespread nuclear destruction.”

“It is worth noting that the nuclear capabilities of Iran were allowed to flourish in no small part due to poor deals made under our own former Sen. John Kerry,” said MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale. “May God Bless the United States and Israel in the days ahead, and may peace finally prevail.”

Rep. Lori Trahan thanked the involved servicemembers for their unmatched “professionalism, precision, and bravery.”

“Absolutely no one wants to see the Iranian regime acquire nuclear weapons.” said Trahan. “That shared goal has guided years of bipartisan diplomatic and strategic engagement to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state. President Trump’s decision to launch direct military strikes without congressional approval threatens to undermine those efforts and drag the United States into another costly, endless war in the Middle East.”

The action “flies in the face” of the president’s campaign promises regarding de-escalating tensions in the Middle East, ending the war in Gaza and freeing Hamas hostages, Trahan stated.

But both House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader John Thune said they were briefed ahead of the strikes on Saturday, according to people familiar with the situation and granted anonymity to discuss it.

Thune said Saturday evening that “as we take action tonight to ensure a nuclear weapon remains out of reach for Iran, I stand with President Trump and pray for the American troops and personnel in harm’s way.”

Johnson said in a statement that the military operations “should serve as a clear reminder to our adversaries and allies that President Trump means what he says.”

Sens. Warren and Ed Markey and Rep. Ayanna Pressely joined in in echoing concerns about another “endless” war in the region and the administration’s strategy.

“This attack may set back but will not stop Iran’s efforts to get a nuclear bomb,” Markey said. “The regime can rebuild its program and will now be highly motivated to do so. A diplomatic solution remains the best way to permanently and verifiably prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.”

Markey called for “ceasefire talks” with Iran and Israel now.

“The American people, our men and women in uniform, and their families deserve answers,” said Rep. Katherine Clark.