Trump sends official notification to Congress on strikes against Iran

President Donald Trump sought to justify military intervention in the widening conflict in the Middle East by sending a formal notification to Congress on Monday of U.S. strikes against Iran.

In a letter obtained by FOX News, Trump told Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, that “no U.S. ground forces were used in these strikes” and that the mission was “planned and executed to minimize civilian casualties, deter future attacks and neutralize Iran’s malign activities.”

This follows a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran as part of Operation Epic Rage on Saturday, which triggered a response from Tehran and triggered a wider conflict in the region. The Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other military leaders were killed in the attacks.

Trump wrote that it is not yet possible to know the full scope of military operations against Iran and that US forces are ready to take further potential steps.

“While the United States desires a swift and lasting peace, it is not possible at this time to know the full scope and duration of military operations that may be required,” Trump wrote. “U.S. forces therefore stand ready to take further actions as necessary and appropriate to address further threats and attacks against the United States or its allies and partners and to ensure that the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran ceases to be a threat to the United States, its allies, and the international community.”

“I directed this military operation consistent with my responsibility to protect the interests of Americans and the United States both at home and abroad and to advance the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States,” he added. “I acted pursuant to my constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive to conduct the foreign affairs of the United States.”

A general view of Tehran, with smoke visible in the distance, following the explosions in Tehran, Iran, on March 2, 2026. (Contributor/Getty Images)

Trump said he was “submitting this report as part of my efforts to fully inform Congress consistent with the War Powers Resolution” as he seeks to restrict the president’s military action, which some Republican and Democratic lawmakers have confirmed is unconstitutional without congressional approval.

The president also accused Iran of being one of the largest state sponsors of terrorism in the world and suggested that “the Iranian regime continues to seek ways to possess and use nuclear weapons,” even though the White House said in June that precision strikes had “destroyed” Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities.

PENTAGON WITHDRAWED US FORCES TO THE MIDDLE EAST WITH A WARNING THAT THE IRAN WAR ‘WILL TAKE SOME TIME’

A person holds a picture of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Iranian demonstrators protest US-Israeli attacks in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. (Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asian News Agency) via Reuters)

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“As I have previously conveyed to Congress, Iran remains one of the largest, if not the largest, state sponsor of terrorism in the world,” Trump said in his letter on Monday. “Despite the success of Operation MIDNIGHT HAMMER, the Iranian regime continues to seek to acquire and use nuclear weapons. Its ballistic, cruiser, anti-ship, and other missiles pose a direct threat to and attack U.S. forces, commercial vessels, and civilians, as well as our allies and partners.”

“Despite my administration’s repeated efforts to find a diplomatic solution to Iran’s malign behavior, the threat to the United States and its allies and partners has become untenable,” he continued.

Fox News’ Tyler Olson contributed to this report.

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