Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Amid rising tensions with Iran involving military strikes, two of American Samoa’s highest elected leaders are speaking out firmly to support the U.S. troops engaged in the conflict.

Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula released the following press statement saying his  thoughts and prayers are with all the brave men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces.

“American Samoa has long carried the proud distinction of having one of the highest enlistment rates in the nation. Our sons and daughters serve with honor, courage, and deep commitment to protecting the freedoms we all cherish. During times like these, we are especially mindful that some of our service members, both active duty and reservists may be called upon to answer the nation's call once again.

“To all of our service members, veterans, and their families, please know that the people of American Samoa stand with you. We recognize the sacrifices you are willing to make and the challenges that may lie ahead. Your dedication and service bring great pride to our island home. We continue to pray for your safety, strength, and protection. May God watch over each of you wherever you may serve. As a community, we also pray for peace and for wisdom among world leaders so that stability and understanding may prevail.

“On behalf of the Lieutenant Governor and people of American Samoa, I offer our deepest gratitude, steadfast support, and heartfelt prayers to all who serve. May God's love, peace and protection be with you always

And Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement of support for U.S. Service Members:

“Many of our nation’s dedicated Service Members have been called upon in the Middle East region over the past week. In the past, I’ve visited our troops at some of those bases in the region, met up with our Toa o Samoa who were there, as well as other Pacific Islander American Service Members. While I do not know how many are involved in current operations, I am certain we have some of our own deployed in U.S. Central Command.

“Every American can unite in holding our Service Members and their families in our hearts, and praying for their safe return.

“Readiness is a constant imperative, and I always support the best possible equipping and training of our military to enable them to succeed and return home whenever they are ordered into combat by the Commander-in-Chief.

“By statute, the role of Congress will increase 60 days from the start of this action. As we focus on Central Command, it also remains strategically important to maintain the U.S. commitment to the Pacific region and preserve long term investment in Indo-Pacific security and objectives. God bless our troops.”

On Sunday, Associated Press reported that Iran’s president has threatened to step up attacks on American targets throughout the Middle East as the U.S. and Israel press ahead with their air campaign. Masoud Pezeshkian appeared to be backtracking from conciliatory comments he made toward his Gulf neighbors on Saturday, in which he appeared to apologize for attacks on their soil, were quickly contradicted by Iranian hard-liners.

Also on Sunday, the U.S. military has announced a seventh American service member has died of injuries sustained during an Iranian attack on troops stationed in Saudi Arabia. This comes after the dignified transfer of six U.S. soldiers killed in the war in the Middle East.

The dignified transfer, a ritual that returns the remains of U.S. service members killed in action, is considered one of the most somber duties of any commander in chief. During his first term, President Donald Trump said bearing witness to the transfer was "the toughest thing I have to do" as president.

Both Trump and Vice President JD Vance were present for the transfer, as were their spouses. A host of top administration officials were in attendance, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who wrote in a social media post Friday of "an unbreakable spirit to honor their memory and the resolve they embodied"; Attorney General Pam Bondi, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence.