Republicans Back Trump on Iran War as Democrats Call Strikes Illegal

Lawmakers split along party lines after President Donald Trump ordered U.S. strikes on Iran, triggering debate in Congress over war powers and national security.

By precious E.

Republicans in Congress lined up behind President Donald Trump after U.S. forces, alongside Israel, launched military strikes against Iran on Saturday. Democrats, however, accused the administration of entering a war with Iran without proper authorization and warned of the risk of a prolonged conflict.

The operation, described by the White House as a coordinated action targeting Iranian assets, has reopened deep divisions on Capitol Hill over war powers and U.S. involvement in the Middle East.

House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the move, saying Iran was now facing consequences for years of hostility toward the United States, including support for terrorism and efforts to expand its nuclear program.

He also called for prayers for American troops and allied forces taking part in what officials have referred to as Operation Epic Fury.

Congress Divided Over Iran War

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demanded an immediate briefing for lawmakers, saying Congress must be fully informed about the scope and objectives of the Iran war.

Schumer warned that many Americans are wary of another military conflict in the Middle East, particularly as economic pressures and domestic concerns remain front and center at home.

Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, said the president had entered a major war without first making a public case or securing congressional approval. Reed questioned the administration’s long-term strategy and raised concerns about the potential human and financial costs.

Senator Ed Markey went further, calling the strikes unconstitutional.

Still, not all Democrats opposed the action. Senator John Fetterman praised the decision, saying the president acted in the interest of stability in the region.

On the Republican side, support was widespread. Senator Lindsey Graham described Trump’s address to the nation as a turning point in Middle East history. He argued that confronting Iran’s leadership was justified given past attacks linked to Tehran, including incidents dating back decades.

Senator Tom Cotton pointed to Iran’s record of hostility toward the United States, referencing the 1979 hostage crisis and the 1983 bombing in Beirut that killed American service members.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer called the strikes a show of strength.

One Republican lawmaker, Representative Thomas Massie, publicly broke with the party’s leadership. He said he would push for a congressional vote on military action when lawmakers return to session, arguing that decisions on war should involve both chambers.

The debate over the Iran war comes at a moment when tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated sharply. Israel has long warned about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and U.S. officials have accused Tehran of backing armed groups across the region.

For Congress, the dispute raises fresh questions about the limits of presidential authority to initiate military force without prior approval from lawmakers. Under the War Powers Resolution, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of introducing U.S. forces into hostilities and may need authorization for extended engagement.

The political fallout from the Iran war is likely to intensify in the coming days, especially if U.S. involvement deepens or casualties are reported. Lawmakers from both parties now face pressure from constituents seeking clarity on the mission’s goals and its potential duration.

As the Iran war unfolds, the central issue in Washington remains whether the operation will remain limited in scope or draw the United States into a broader regional conflict.