US and Israel Launch Massive Strikes on Iran – Without Congressional Approval

February 28, 2026 – In a dramatic escalation, the United States and Israel have conducted joint military strikes on multiple Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran, targeting military sites, leadership compounds, and nuclear facilities. President Donald Trump announced the operation, dubbed “Epic Fury” by the Pentagon and “Roaring Lion” by Israel, but critics in Congress are furious that no authorization was sought beforehand. ## What Happened in the Attacks

The strikes began early Saturday morning (Iran time), with explosions reported across Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, and other locations. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called it a “preemptive attack” to “remove threats to the State of Israel,” while U.S. forces joined with aircraft and naval assets.

Key targets included:

• The compound of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which satellite imagery shows was heavily damaged.
• Nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
• Military commanders, IRGC sites, and missile capabilities.

President Trump stated the goals are to destroy Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, prevent weapon acquisition, and ultimately topple the regime, urging IRGC members to surrender for immunity. ## Iran’s Retaliation and Regional Fallout

Iran immediately retaliated with dozens of ballistic missiles targeting Israel, Jordan, Syria, and Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. Explosions were reported across the region, with air raid sirens in Israel and Houthi threats to resume Red Sea attacks.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry claimed the strikes hit civilian infrastructure alongside military targets. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation aims to “eliminate existential threats” and support Iranian protesters. ## Congress Slams Lack of Approval

While some lawmakers like Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) praised the strikes as “necessary” and “long justified,” many others decried them as unauthorized “acts of war.”

Key criticisms:

• Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY): “Acts of war unauthorized by Congress.”
• Upcoming bipartisan vote on war powers resolution to block further action without approval, led by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
• Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ): Supports Iranian people without “sending our troops to die.”

President Trump did not seek congressional sign-off, bypassing the War Powers Resolution amid preparations for “weeks-long sustained operations.” ## Background and Escalation

Tensions built after Iranian crackdowns on protests, Trump’s January demands for uranium enrichment halt, missile limits, and proxy cutoffs, plus U.S. naval deployments like the USS Abraham Lincoln and Gerald R. Ford.

Trump had signaled regime change as “the best thing,” viewing internal unrest as an opportunity. ## What Comes Next?

The strikes mark a major escalation, with risks of broader conflict. Congress faces a showdown vote next week, while the region braces for more retaliation. Stay tuned for updates as this unfolds.

Sources: Al Jazeera, Politico, Wikipedia, CNN, NPR, USA Today, Washington Post, WSJ, AP, PBS, Reuters.