President Donald Trump formally notified congressional leaders within 48 hours of ordering airstrikes on Iran.
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a major joint military campaign against Iran, which the U.S. Department of Defense named Operation Epic Fury.
In a letter dated March 2 and addressed to the Senate’s presiding officer, Trump said U.S. forces carried out precision strikes on February 28 against multiple targets inside Iran amid what he described as escalating threats to American personnel and interests in the region.
CBS News has obtained the War Powers Resolution notification President Trump sent to Congress today on the Feb. 28 strikes against Iran. In the letter, he says the threat had become “untenable,” outlines the missile and air defense targets that were hit, and acknowledges it’s not… pic.twitter.com/Z7qbrM59xo
— Patrick Maguire (@patrickjmaguire) March 3, 2026
“I have separately notified you of changes in the global posture of United States forces in the Middle East in response to threats emanating from then-ongoing tensions with Iran,” Trump wrote.
The letter states that “on February 28, 2026, United States forces conducted precision strikes against numerous targets within Iran including ballistic missile sites, maritime mining capabilities, air defenses, and command and control capabilities.” Trump added that the action was taken “to protect United States forces in the region, protect the United States homeland, advance vital United States national interests, including ensuring the free flow of maritime commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, and in collective self-defense of our regional allies, including Israel.”
Trump said no ground forces were used and that the mission was designed to minimize civilian casualties. “Although the United States desires a quick and enduring peace, it is not possible at this time to know the full scope and duration of military operations that may be necessary,” Trump wrote.
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the President to submit a written report within 48 hours of introducing U.S. armed forces into hostilities or situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated.
The report must outline “the circumstances necessitating the introduction of United States Armed Forces,” the constitutional and legislative authority relied upon, and “the estimated scope and duration of the hostilities.” The law also calls for periodic updates to Congress at least once every six months while hostilities continue.
Trump wrote that he acted “pursuant to my constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive to conduct United States foreign relations” and that he was providing the report “consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148).”
While the letter was consistent with the War Powers Resolution, it is unclear if the President believed the law bound him.
Article I vs. Article II: Who Holds the Reins on War Powers?
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has not signalled an intent to use the law to rein in military actions, and even endorsed the strikes in a press briefing.
There have been numerous unsuccessful attempts to enforce the War Powers Resolution against previous presidents in federal court, The Dallas Express reported.
Aside from the statutory legal questions, there are concurrent constitutional questions.
“The Constitution is intended to prevent the accumulation of power in any one branch of government — and in any one person in government,” David Janovsky, acting director of The Constitution Project at the Project on Government Oversight, a watchdog organization, said per PBS.
While the power to declare war is reserved for Congress in Article I of the United States Constitution, Article II designates the President as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and leaves most foreign policy questions to his discretion.
For more in-depth prior coverage on Operation Epic Fury and related developments, check out these key reports from The Dallas Express:
- Israel Reportedly Strikes Tehran Mehrabad Airport: Reports Follow Iran’s Airport Attacks, US Death Toll Hits 6
- War Powers Act vs. Iran Strikes: A Constitutional Look
- No Endless War: Hegseth Says Strikes Against Iran Are Laser-Focused
- Khamenei Reportedly Dead: Iran’s Supreme Leader Killed In Operation Epic Fury
- Fourth American Dies From Iran Attack Wounds; Separately, 6 Pilots Eject Safely From Friendly Fire Jet Downings
- Trump Says Khamenei Is Dead, Iranian Forces Seeking Immunity, Urges Iranians To “Take Back” Country
- “Operation Epic Fury Unleashed: The World Is Watching”
- “First Combat Use: How CENTCOM’s Budget One-Way Attack Drones Changed The Game In Operation Epic Fury”
- “President Trump Announces ‘Major Combat Operations’ As U.S., Israel Strike Iran”
- “Missile Attack Reported At U.S. Navy 5th Fleet Service Center In Bahrain”
