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Trump notifies Congress of Iran strikes amid uncertainty
President Donald Trump informed lawmakers on Tuesday that the full scope and duration of U.S. military strikes against Iran remain uncertain, despite launching the operation over the weekend. In a letter to Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley, Trump described Iran's threat as "untenable" after diplomatic efforts failed to ease tensions.
Iran's military capabilities and U.S. response
Trump's letter highlighted Iran's role as a leading state sponsor of terrorism, citing its pursuit of nuclear weapons and arsenal of ballistic, cruise, and anti-ship missiles. He stated these weapons "pose a direct threat to U.S. forces, commercial vessels, and civilians, as well as those of our allies and partners." The president confirmed no U.S. ground troops were deployed in the strikes, which began on Saturday alongside Israeli forces.
Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones at Israel and U.S.-allied Gulf states, escalating the conflict.
Congress divided over war powers and legal authority
Lawmakers emerged from a classified briefing by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other officials unclear about Trump's long-term strategy. While the president is required to notify Congress within 48 hours of military hostilities, many lawmakers-including some Republicans-questioned whether he exceeded his constitutional authority by acting without congressional approval.
"Efforts now to restrict the commander in chief from completing this limited but crucial mission would be both dangerous and irresponsible."
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.)
Johnson defended Trump's actions, stating the administration complied with the War Powers Act and briefed the "gang of eight"-a bipartisan group of congressional leaders-ahead of the strikes. Rubio echoed this, arguing no law mandates presidential consultation for such operations.
Lawmakers express frustration and fear
Democratic lawmakers voiced sharp criticism after the briefing. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) warned of "more Americans dying" and called for a Senate debate on military force authorization. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) added, "I am more fearful than ever that we may be putting boots on the ground."
Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) described the briefing as unhelpful, saying, "We remain as confused as the American people are." Some lawmakers indicated they might withhold support for a war powers resolution limiting Trump's authority-unless the conflict extends beyond the four- to five-week timeline he suggested.
Vote on war powers resolution looms
The Senate is expected to vote Wednesday on a resolution to curb Trump's ability to conduct further strikes without congressional approval. The outcome remains uncertain, with a handful of Republicans undecided. In the House, bipartisan support for the measure can be anticipated, given the narrower Republican majority. A vote there is scheduled for Thursday.
Trump has previously bypassed Congress for military actions, including last year's strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and the January operation to detain Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
