Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – 2/28/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, released the following statement regarding news of the death of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader: 

“For years, I have supported a maximum pressure strategy against the Iranian regime, holding it accountable for its terrorism, pursuit of nuclear weapons, ballistic missile development, and brutal repression of its own people. 

For decades, Ayatollah Khamenei led a regime that openly chanted “Death to America,” armed and funded proxies responsible for the deaths of American service members, targeted our allies, including Israel, and violently suppressed Iranians - especially women and young girls - seeking basic freedoms and human rights. His leadership was defined by aggression abroad and oppression at home and today, it has officially ended. The world is safer as a result of his death. We now have a chance for lasting peace in the Middle East.”

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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