Top Democrat Calls President Trump A “Real Peacemaker” After Iran Strikes

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) is breaking with many in his own party and forcefully defending President Donald Trump following the dramatic U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that may have killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Speaking after the Pentagon confirmed the launch of “Operation Epic Fury,” Fetterman dismissed criticism from lawmakers who argue the strikes were unauthorized or risk plunging the region into wider war. Instead, the Pennsylvania Democrat framed the operation as a necessary step toward lasting peace.

“[To] create real peace, you have to do these kinds of actions, just like happened, just like last year, too, when they destroyed their nuclear facilities,” Fetterman said on Fox News.

“Sometimes peace is possible after these kinds of steps, and that’s why I support those things. … I fully support these kinds of things, and I’m proud to stand with our military and Israel through this, and that was the right thing.”

The remarks come amid historic escalation in the Middle East. Senior Israeli officials claim Khamenei was killed during coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, and high-level command sites in Tehran. Iranian officials have denied the reports, calling them psychological warfare, though Western and Israeli sources maintain there are strong indications the longtime leader is dead.

Fetterman also defended a social media post in which he praised the operation by name. His comments directly counter criticism from Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) who questioned whether the strikes constituted acts of war not authorized by Congress.

WATCH:

🚨 JUST IN: Democrat Sen. John Fetterman just CALLED OUT those who oppose the strikes on Iran, saying President Trump is a REAL peacemaker because he does it through action

Wow!

“I might be a Democrat, but the president is correct!”

“I FULL support it…I am proud to stand… pic.twitter.com/QKXiMIN679

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 28, 2026

When asked about Massie’s objections and similar concerns from colleagues, Fetterman was blunt.

“No, that’s bizarre,” he said, rejecting the argument that the president overstepped his authority.

The strikes reportedly targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and command centers in what U.S. officials described as a preemptive effort to degrade Tehran’s weapons capabilities. The alleged killing of Khamenei, if confirmed, would represent the most significant decapitation of Iranian leadership since 1979.

Iran has responded with retaliatory missile and drone attacks on U.S. positions in the region. The United Nations Security Council has convened an emergency session, and global markets have reacted sharply to the instability.

Fetterman’s full-throated backing of Trump marks a notable bipartisan moment at a time when many Democrats have urged restraint. While some in his party warn of constitutional concerns and escalation risks, Fetterman argued that strength, not hesitation, is what ultimately prevents prolonged war.

In his view, decisive military action aimed at dismantling nuclear infrastructure and command structures can create the conditions for peace.

“Sometimes peace is possible after these kinds of steps,” he said, reiterating his support.

As the situation remains fluid and confirmation surrounding Khamenei’s fate is still contested, Fetterman’s stance underscores a widening divide in Washington not just between parties, but within them, over how far the United States should go in confronting Iran.