U.S. Expects Control of Iranian Skies Within Days

Lawmakers raise legal and constitutional questions about the conflict

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States and Israel expect to gain control of Iranian airspace within a week as military operations continue. However, lawmakers in both parties are debating legislation that would limit further U.S. military action without congressional approval, and some legal experts argue the strikes could violate the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution.

Why it matters

The potential U.S. control of Iranian airspace represents a significant escalation of the conflict, raising concerns about the legal and constitutional implications of the military actions.

The details

Hegseth said the U.S. and Israel are preparing round-the-clock strikes targeting missile systems and leadership, and confirmed six U.S. service members have been killed so far. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine said Iran's ballistic missile launches are down 86% from the first day of the conflict and one-way attack drones are down 73%.

  • The military operations began four days ago.
  • The U.S. and Israel expect to gain control of Iranian airspace within a week.

The players

Pete Hegseth

U.S. Defense Secretary.

Dan Caine

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've only just begun to hunt, dismantle, demoralize, destroy and defeat their capabilities, just four days in. Starting last night, and to be completed in a few days, in under a week, the two most powerful air forces in the world will have complete control of Iranian skies.”

— Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary (AURN)

What’s next

Lawmakers in both parties are debating legislation that would limit further U.S. military action without congressional approval.

The takeaway

The potential U.S. control of Iranian airspace represents a significant escalation of the conflict, raising concerns about the legal and constitutional implications of the military actions.