The United States and Israel carried outmilitary strikes against Iranon Saturday, Feb. 28 targeting the country's top leaders and plunging the Middle East into a conflict that PresidentDonald Trumpsaid would end a security threat to the U.S. and give Iranians a chance to topple their rulers.
While the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the sole power to declare war, a power last officially exercised in 1942 for World War Two, presidents often act under theWar Powers Actof 1973 or their authority as Commander in Chief to engage in military actions without formal Congressional approval.
Every president since Gerald Fordhas used the resolution to initiate or justify military actions in conflicts including Vietnam, Yugoslavia, Libya, Iraq and drone strikes in the Middle East.
More:Iran hit by 'massive' US attack; supreme leader targeted: Updates
The U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. President Trump confirmed the operation in a televised address to the nation.Pictured above, a plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on February 28 morning by AFP journalists, and two plumes of thick smoke were seen over the centre and east of the Iranian capital.
Israel's defence ministry announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and people across the country received phone alerts about an "extremely serious" threat." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Smoke rises following an explosion after the U.S. and Israel reportedly launched an attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026, in this screen grab taken from video." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after disembarking Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., February 27, 2026. Hours later, Trump made live comments about the military strikes he launched against Iran." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Military strikes underway by US and Israel against Iran. See photos
The U.S. and Israellaunched military strikes against Iranon Feb. 28. President Trump confirmed the operation in a televised address to the nation.Pictured above, a plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on February 28 morning by AFP journalists, and two plumes of thick smoke were seen over the centre and east of the Iranian capital.Israel's defence ministry announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and people across the country received phone alerts about an "extremely serious" threat.
Did the U.S. formally declare war?
Even though the U.S. carried out major military strikes against Iran on Saturday alongside Israel, the United States has not formally declared war.
In the U.S., only Congress can declare war. Lawmakers have not voted on a declaration or passed a new authorization related to Iran. Instead, the president ordered the strikes under his powers as commander in chief, calling them "major combat operations" aimed at stopping what he described as immediate threats.
The Pentagon named the action Operation Epic Fury, a term typically used for military campaigns that fall short of a declared war. Fighting is underway, and Iran has retaliated but under U.S. law, the country is not officially at war unless Congress says so.
How is Congress is reacting to Operation Epic Fury?
As expected, Congress is sharply divided between the Republicans and Democrats.
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Republican leaders and national security hawkslargely praised the strikes, saying Iran posed an urgent threat and diplomacy had failed.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House SpeakerMike Johnsonbacked Trump's decision and said senior lawmakers had been briefed in advance.
Senators Lindsey Graham and Tom Cotton called the operation necessary and long overdue, with Graham openly endorsing regime change in Iran.
Democratic criticism and war‑powers concerns
Many Democrats, and a few Republicans, condemned the strikes as unauthorized, warning the president bypassed Congress.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky, said he would join again withRep. Ro Khanna, D-California, to force a vote on the War Powers Act.
"I am opposed to this War,"Massie said on social media. "This is not 'America First.'"
Briefings but no vote
Administration officials notified members of the bipartisan "Gang of Eight" before the strikes, but Congress did not vote on a declaration of war or a new authorization. That gap is now fueling calls for lawmakers to return to Washington and formally weigh in.
USA TODAY's Kim Hjelmgaard, Francesca Chambers, Bart Jansen, Will Carless and Sarah D. Wire contributed to the reporting of this story
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Are the US and Israel at war with Iran if Congress hasn't declared it?
