US, Israel Launch Strikes on Iran Targets

Democrats call for immediate vote on Trump's war powers after president orders 'major combat operations'

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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President Donald Trump announced early Saturday that U.S. forces, in coordination with Israel, had launched strikes targeting Iran, saying the objective was to eliminate "imminent threats" from the Iranian regime. Democratic lawmakers quickly called for Congress to weigh in on the military action, while Republicans largely backed the president's decision.

Why it matters

The strikes represent a major escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have been at odds for decades over Iran's nuclear ambitions and support for terrorist groups. Democrats have raised concerns about the president's authority to order such an attack without congressional approval, while Republicans argue the Iranian regime's aggression left the U.S. with no choice.

The details

Trump said in a video message that U.S. forces had struck targets in Iran, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirming the two countries conducted the operation jointly. Trump said the goal was to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and eliminate threats to U.S. troops, citizens and allies. Late Saturday, Trump claimed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in the strikes, though this could not be immediately verified.

  • The strikes were launched around 2:30 a.m. Eastern on Saturday, March 2, 2026.
  • Trump posted a video message announcing the attacks shortly after the operation began.

The players

President Donald Trump

The U.S. president who ordered the strikes on Iran.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The prime minister of Israel, which coordinated with the U.S. on the attacks.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The supreme leader of Iran, who Trump claimed was killed in the strikes.

Sen. Chuck Schumer

The Senate minority leader who called for an immediate classified briefing and vote on a war powers resolution.

Sen. John Thune

The Senate majority leader who praised Trump's action to deter Iran's nuclear and terrorist threats.

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What they’re saying

“This regime will soon learn no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States armed forces.”

— President Donald Trump (alaskabeacon.com)

“This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity.”

— Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel (alaskabeacon.com)

“The administration has not provided Congress and the American people with critical details about the scope and immediacy of the threat.”

— Sen. Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (alaskabeacon.com)

“Despite the dogged efforts of the president and his administration, the Iranian regime has refused the diplomatic off-ramps that would peacefully resolve these national security concerns.”

— Sen. John Thune, Senate Majority Leader (alaskabeacon.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This attack marks a dangerous escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Iran, raising concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict. While Republicans back the president's action, Democrats argue Trump overstepped his authority and warn of the risks of another protracted war in the Middle East.