Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz entered the national debate over President Donald Trump’s strikes on Iran with a brief message that quickly ignited backlash from both critics and members of his own party, as reported by Fox News.

As U.S. missiles targeted Iranian sites and killed 86-year-old theocratic ruler Ali Hosseini Khamenei, Walz posted a two-word message to X: “No new wars.”

No new wars.

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) February 28, 2026

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The post triggered immediate reactions across social media, with critics referencing Walz’s record in Minnesota and his prior statements on foreign policy.

Walz has been one of the most visible state-level critics of President Trump over the past year.

His administration has also faced scrutiny as Minnesota grappled with a Somali-linked childcare fraud case that later expanded into other sectors.

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Walz has repeatedly criticized the Department of Homeland Security’s immigration enforcement efforts in his state.

The governor’s Iran comment drew responses from across the political spectrum.

Comedian Michael Rapaport, known for his anti-Trump commentary and recent criticism of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, retweeted a response from Israeli diplomat Aviva Klompas.

“Iran started this war 47 years ago when they took Americans hostage. Honestly, can people crack open a book before posting nonsense?” Klompas wrote.

Rapaport later criticized those opposing the strikes and condemned individuals he said were silent while Khamenei presided over crackdowns on dissidents.

“I’m glad that old bag of s— and his entire regime are gone,” Rapaport said of Khamenei. “Ding dong, that old bag of s— is dead. 72 virgins have got to deal with that bull— now; good luck, ladies,” he added in a message on Monday.

Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators also responded to Walz’s post.

“Will this affect your Somali kickbacks?” asked Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., who is known for his pro-Israel positions in Congress.

Conservative videographer Cam Higby wrote, “Didn’t you just try to start a war with Trump a month ago?”

Another critic responded with “No kings,” referencing rhetoric from some on the left who have described President Trump as a monarch.

“Just be thankful this is changing the headlines from the Somali fraud in Minnesota,” another commenter wrote.

Some critics also pointed to what they described as an inconsistency in Walz’s foreign policy messaging.

They referenced a prior meeting between Walz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after which Walz wrote, “Minnesota stands with the people of Ukraine as they fight to defend freedom and democracy.”

The renewed attention to Walz’s foreign policy commentary comes amid broader national debate over the scope and consequences of the Iran strikes.

Lawmakers in Washington remain divided over the operation, while reactions continue to unfold online.

Late Monday, reports surfaced that Khamenei’s wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, succumbed to injuries sustained in the missile strike that killed her husband.

The social media exchange illustrates the sharp divisions surrounding U.S. policy toward Iran and the political fallout for state and national leaders who weigh in on the issue.

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