Washington, March 2: Senior U.S. lawmakers have expressed strong support for the recent actions taken against Iran. Republican leaders have backed President Donald Trump’s decision to initiate “Operation Epic Fury,” viewing it as a necessary step to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions and decades of aggression against the United States.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized that Iran’s missile expansion and support for armed groups pose an unacceptable threat. He stated, “For years, Iran’s persistent nuclear intentions, its growing ballistic missile inventory, and its ongoing support for terrorist groups have posed a clear and intolerable risk to American service members, regional civilians, and our allies.”
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso described the operation as a means to restore deterrence. The White House released a comprehensive list of statements from lawmakers on Sunday. Barrasso praised Trump’s decisive action to eliminate Iran’s terrorist regime, stating, “This is peace through strength.”
Senate Republican Conference Chair Tom Cotton referenced Iran’s long history of hostility. He noted, “A nuclear weapons program. Thousands of missiles. State-sponsored terrorism. Iran has waged war against America for 47 years: the hostage crisis, the Beirut Marine barracks, Khobar Towers, roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan that have killed or injured thousands of American soldiers, and attempts on President Trump’s life.”
Senator Roger Wicker confirmed that the government had clearly outlined its military objectives. Wicker stated, “The President has made the goals of the operation clear: to permanently thwart the Ayatollah’s desire to develop nuclear weapons, reduce their ballistic missile force and production capacity, and eliminate their naval and terrorist capabilities.”
Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed that congressional leaders were informed prior to the action. Johnson stated, “The Gang of 8 was briefed in detail earlier this week that military action may be necessary to ensure the safety of American troops and citizens in Iran.”
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise remarked, “President Trump has worked hard to achieve lasting peace with Iran through diplomacy. Instead, Iran has continued to pursue its dangerous intentions.” On Sunday’s talk shows, Senator Lindsey Graham openly praised the action, saying, “The mothership of terrorism is sinking. The captain is dead. Well done, President Trump.”
Throughout the day, representatives repeatedly cited Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile development, and support for militant groups as justifications for the strike, asserting that it should have happened much earlier. American lawmakers characterized Trump’s actions as strategic.
Under the U.S. Constitution, the President acts as Commander-in-Chief; however, traditionally, Congress oversees major military operations. Lawmakers indicated that further briefings are expected as the operation progresses.
Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran has remained a focal point of U.S. national security policy, marked by sanctions, proxy conflicts, and disputes over uranium enrichment. Preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons has been a goal of both parties in the U.S. for decades, despite differing views on balancing diplomacy, sanctions, and the use of force.
