Too early to tell scope of Iran strikes, Trump tells Congress

March 4, 2026

President Trump has informed Congress that the complete extent and timeline of U.S. military operations against Iran cannot yet be determined, following strikes that commenced over the weekend alongside Israel. After receiving classified briefings from senior administration officials, numerous lawmakers from both parties expressed confusion about the mission's objectives, duration, and whether ground troops might eventually be deployed, despite Trump's assurance that no ground forces are currently involved. The strikes have prompted congressional debate over whether Trump overstepped his constitutional authority by acting without formal approval, with votes scheduled on a war powers resolution that could restrict the president's military options.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump and his administration officials (Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth)
Members of Congress (Senator Chuck Grassley, Speaker Mike Johnson, Senator Chris Murphy, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Senator Brian Schatz, and other Democratic and Republican lawmakers)
U.S. military forces currently conducting strikes
Iran and its government
Israel
Gulf states allied to the U.S.
Commercial vessels and civilians in the region
The American people

What action is being taken

The U.S. and Israel are striking Iran
Iran is firing missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf states allied to the U.S.
Congress is holding classified briefings on the military action
The Senate is preparing to vote on a war powers resolution (expected Wednesday)
The House is preparing to vote on a war powers resolution (expected Thursday)

Why it matters

This military conflict represents a significant escalation between the United States and Iran, one of the world's largest state sponsors of terrorism according to the Trump administration. The situation raises critical constitutional questions about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches regarding war-making authority. The confusion expressed by lawmakers after classified briefings, combined with warnings that more American deaths are expected, indicates potential for mission creep and expanded conflict. If Congress passes the war powers resolution, it could establish important precedent for limiting presidential military authority and requiring legislative approval for sustained operations.

What's next

Senate vote on war powers resolution expected Wednesday
House vote on war powers resolution expected Thursday
Some lawmakers indicated they might change their position on the war powers resolution if the conflict extends beyond the four- or five-week duration Trump has mentioned
Additional military operations against Iran are anticipated, though the full scope and duration remain undetermined

Read full article from source: BBC