FOR THE WEEK OF MAR. 02, 2026

U.S. military strikes on Iran bring counter-attacks and congressional pushback

America and Israel began pounding Iran last weekend in what President Donald Trump calls "a massive and ongoing military operation." The first strikes killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, top leader of Iran for nearly 37 years, and several high-ranking security officials. U.S. jet and missile attacks come from two U.S. aircraft carrier groups off Iran's coast and from bases around the region. "Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime," Trump said in televised remarks. "Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas and our allies. . . . We're not going to put up with it any longer."

U.S. officials say they expect the bombardment to extend several days, if not weeks. Iran is responding with strikes against Israel and U.S. interests in the Middle East, hitting at least four U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf area. The Pentagon said its forces "successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks." Damage to American bases was "minimal and has not impacted operations," a statement said Saturday.

Trump didn't seek congressional approval for what's called Operation Epic Fury, drawing criticism from some Washington officials. "Starting another war with Iran is dangerous and illegal," says Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., introduced a bipartisan War Powers Resolution aimed at reasserting lawmakers' constitutional authority to declare war. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., pushes a Senate version seeking to block the use of U.S. forces against Iran. Neither is expected to pass because of overwhelming opposition by Republicans and a few Democratic allies of Israel.

Trump and his aides say Iran had restarted its nuclear program, had enough material to build an atomic bomb within days and was developing long-range missiles that will soon be capable of hitting the United States. Trump urged Iranian civilians to use their "only chance for generations" to determine their future while hardline religious authorities are under attack. "Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach," he said. "This is the moment for action." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a similar appeal.

Through economic penalties and trade embargoes, America had tried to pressure Iran to dismantle its nuclear program. That country says it's enriching uranium only for energy generation and other peaceful uses. Trump last week accused Iran of rebuilding nuclear reactors and related sites after U.S. strikes in June 2025. Representatives of each nation spoke in Switzerland last week for six hours and planned to meet again this week to seek an agreement, but Trump voiced frustration about the lack of progress. "Sometimes you have to use force," he warned a day before attacking.

Trump says: "The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties."

Republican senator says: "This operation has been well-planned. It will be violent, extensive and I believe, at the end of the day, successful." – Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina

Editorial says: "Trump's approach to Iran is reckless. His goals are ill-defined. He has failed to line up the international and domestic support that would be necessary to maximize the chances of a successful outcome." -- The New York Times

Front Page Talking Points Archive

Common Core State Standard
SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.