President Trump on Monday officially notified Congress of the U.S. military strikes against Iran. In a letter to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), who serves as president pro tempore of the U.S. Senate, the president advised that “no U.S. ground forces were used in these strikes” and revealed that the mission “was planned and executed in a manner designed to minimize civilian casualties, deter future attacks, and neutralize Iran’s malign activities.”
The notification to Congress was sent by the White House on the first business day since the strikes against Iran began on Saturday. During that time, Operation Epic Fury has taken out taken out the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several military leaders in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran has responded to the joint U.S.-Israel operation by launching missile and drone attacks against neighboring countries and U.S. military bases in the Middle East.
Trump sends official notification to Congress on strikes against Iran https://t.co/fNuIf7nG2y
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 3, 2026
Trump reiterated in the letter to Grassley that it was impossible to say how long the military action would continue nor the “full scope” of actions necessary “to address further threats and attacks upon the United States or its allies and partners.” He also noted that he acted without the consent of Congress “pursuant to my constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive to conduct United States foreign relations.”
“Although the United States desires a quick and enduring peace, not possible at this time to know the full scope and duration of military operations that may be necessary,” Trump wrote. “As such, United States forces remain postured to take further action, as necessary and appropriate, to address further threats and attacks upon the United States or its allies and partners, and ensure the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran ceases being a threat to the United States, its allies, and the international community.”
“I directed this military action consistent with my responsibility to protect Americans and United States interests both at home and abroad and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests,” he added. “I acted pursuant to my constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive to conduct United States foreign relations.”
The president also revealed that he decided to take action after his administration failed to find “a diplomatic solution to Iran’s malign behavior” despite “repeated efforts.” Threats to “the United States and its allies and partners became untenable,” he wrote about his decision to launch the military strikes.
Trump made clear in the letter that, in addition to Iran’s failure to accept diplomatic solutions proffered during negotiations, he was compelled to take action because of Iran’s role as a state sponsor of terrorism around the world and its continued efforts to “seek the means to possess and employ nuclear weapons.”
READ MORE: Trump and Hegseth’s Message to Iran: ‘We Ain’t Playing’
Congress has yet to offer its official response to President Trump’s letter, but Democrats have made it clear over the last few days that they are less than supportive of Operation Epic Fury.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) branded the action an “illegal war” and urged the Senate to take up a War Powers Resolution to stop any continued U.S. hostilities against Iran absent explicit congressional authorization. His previous efforts to get the resolution passed have gone down in flames.
Kaine’s colleague, Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), said Trump moved ahead without authorization and warned that launching wide military action – particularly if the administration can’t demonstrate an imminent threat – raises serious legal and constitutional issues.
Now that Trump has formally notified Congress, Democrats can keep performing their War Powers outrage dance right on cue. But the reality is that while they gripe and moan, a regime that has terrorized the world for decades is taking fatal hits.
Editor’s Note: For decades, former presidents have been all talk and no action. Now, Donald Trump is eliminating the threat from Iran once and for all.
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