A new and uncertain chapter for the Middle East began early Saturday as Donald Trump confirmed that “the United States military began major combat operations in Iran,” a move he described as “massive and ongoing.”
In a video posted to Truth Social, Trump was blunt about the potential human cost of the mission, acknowledging that “the lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties — that often happens in war.” This joint operation with Israel appears to have the ultimate goal of toppling the current regime, with Trump telling the Iranian people that “the hour of your freedom is at hand” and encouraging them to “take over your government. It will be yours to take.”
The decision to initiate these strikes without seeking congressional approval has already ignited a firestorm in Washington. Rep. Thomas Massie, immediately labeled the military action as “acts of war unauthorized by Congress,” joining forces with Rep. Ro Khanna, to push for a war powers resolution. These concerns were echoed by veterans in the Senate, including Sen. Ruben Gallego, who drew on his experience as a Marine. “I lost friends in Iraq to an illegal war. Young working-class kids should not pay the ultimate price for regime change and a war that hasn’t been explained or justified to the American people,” Gallego stated, adding that “we can support the democracy movement and the Iranian people without sending our troops to die.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, has expressed that “if you’re going to do something there, you better well make it about getting new leadership,” a sentiment that aligns with Trump’s call for regime change. Sen. Lindsey Graham, also praised the move, declaring that “the end of the largest state sponsor of terrorism is upon us. God bless President Trump, our military and our allies in Israel.” Graham specifically addressed the possibility of fallen soldiers, writing, “If you are injured or fall, I believe with all my heart that your sacrifice makes your country and the world a better and safer place. This moment is why you chose to serve.”
The division in the capital is unmitigated, with leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, warning of the dangers of another “failed, foreign forever war when we know the outcome, particularly in the Middle East.” Jeffries was blunt in his assessment of the situation, stating that “it’s going to cost American lives.” Even with occasional bipartisan support from figures like Sen. John Fetterman, who credited the President for doing “what’s right and necessary to produce real peace,” the overarching concern remains whether this mission will achieve its goals or lead to a prolonged and deadly entanglement.
JUST IN: 🇺🇸🇮🇷 President Trump says the US is at war with Iran.
“The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties. That often happens in war.” pic.twitter.com/s4Q8lyeL7r
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) February 28, 2026
