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February 28, 2026conflictwar powersexecutive authoritycongressional oversightIran policyexecutive powerconstitutional lawnational security

Trump starts Iran war without congressional authorization, citing Article II

President Trump launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran without seeking or obtaining congressional authorization, invoking his Article II commander-in-chief authority. Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed seven of eight Gang of Eight members after strikes began; rank-and-file lawmakers from both parties said they had received no information or legal rationale before the operation. Trump said he did not need congressional approval for the conflict.