Maine Senators Clash Over Legality of Iran War

Collins backs administration, King calls conflict 'illegal'

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:39am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a solitary political figure in a dimly lit government office, the scene conveying a sense of contemplation and unease over the divisive Iran war debate.The partisan clash over the legality of the Iran war casts a long shadow over the nation's capital.Bath Today

U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, both from Maine, expressed differing views on the ongoing conflict with Iran during a visit to Bath Iron Works. Collins reiterated her support for the war, while King firmly stated that the war was 'illegal from the start'.

Why it matters

The split between the two senators on this major foreign policy issue highlights the partisan divide in Congress over the controversial Iran conflict, which has drawn criticism from some lawmakers as an unauthorized and potentially unlawful use of military force.

The details

During a tour of the Bath Iron Works naval shipyard, Collins and King, who serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee, discussed the need for more U.S. Navy ship orders. However, the senators diverged sharply in their views on the Iran war, with Collins continuing to back the administration's actions and King denouncing the conflict as illegal.

  • The senators made their comments on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Susan Collins

A Republican U.S. Senator from Maine who has consistently supported the administration's military actions against Iran.

Angus King

An Independent U.S. Senator from Maine who has criticized the Iran war as being 'illegal from the start'.

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What they’re saying

“the war was illegal from the start.”

— Angus King, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The senators' differing stances on the Iran war are likely to continue to be a point of contention as they work together on naval shipbuilding issues in Maine.

The takeaway

This case highlights the deep partisan divide in Congress over the administration's Iran war policy, with some lawmakers arguing the conflict is an unauthorized and potentially unlawful use of military force.