On Monday, President Trump formally informed Congress about the U.S. military strikes targeting Iran. In a letter addressed to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), who holds the position of president pro tempore of the U.S. Senate, Trump clarified that “no U.S. ground forces were used in these strikes.” He emphasized that the operation was executed with the intention of minimizing civilian casualties, deterring future threats, and neutralizing Iran’s harmful activities.
The White House sent the notification to Congress on the first business day after the strikes commenced on Saturday. Known as Operation Epic Fury, the mission successfully targeted Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and key figures within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In retaliation, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks against neighboring countries and U.S. military bases in the Middle East, responding to the joint operation by the U.S. and Israel.
In his correspondence with Grassley, Trump stated the uncertainty regarding the duration of the military action or the “full scope” of measures required to counter further threats and attacks on the U.S. and its allies. He justified his unilateral decision to act without seeking Congress’s consent, citing his constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive to manage U.S. foreign relations.
The president explained that his decision followed unsuccessful attempts by his administration to find “a diplomatic solution to Iran’s malign behavior.” He noted that the threats facing “the United States and its allies and partners became untenable,” prompting the military strikes.
Trump further outlined in the letter that Iran’s refusal to engage in diplomatic solutions, coupled with its status as a state sponsor of global terrorism and its ongoing pursuit of nuclear weapon capabilities, necessitated his decision to take decisive military action.
“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.”
