MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — As tensions escalated in the Middle East after the U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, South Florida officials moved quickly to reassure residents and visitors of their safety.
In Miami Beach and Bal Harbour, law enforcement agencies emphasized public safety amid the unrest.
The Miami Beach and Sunny Isles Beach police departments announced increased patrols ahead of Purim, citing ongoing Middle East tensions.
Bal Harbour police said they are closely monitoring developments and remain in communication with local, state, and federal partners, adding that “at this time, there are no credible threats to our community.” Officers have enhanced patrols and increased their presence as a precaution.
U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, a Miami Republican, praised the strikes and President Donald Trump’s national security approach, calling the actions a demonstration of “decisive leadership” and solidarity with the Iranian people seeking freedom and human rights.
Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez issued a statement Friday saying in part:
“President Donald J. Trump showed strong and decisive leadership in the face of a nuclear threat against Americans and the world,” he wrote. “When our Commander-in-Chief acts to protect our troops, defend our allies, and safeguard our national security, he sends a clear message that the United States will never be intimidated. Iran remains the world’s top sponsor of terrorism. The United States will always stand firmly with Israel, our strongest ally in the Middle East.”
The Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Iran condemned what it called “criminal military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime,” accusing both countries of violating Iran’s sovereignty and attacking defense infrastructure and civilian sites.
The ministry said Iran would respond “with authority” and urged the United Nations to condemn the strikes.
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