Trump ordered the strikes on Tehran just days before the GOP-led House and Senate are each set to formally debate and vote on US military action in Iran. Those Republicans will be forced to take a public stance after months of simmering consternation over Trump’s legal authority as he has dramatically expanded powers abroad with Congress on the sidelines. And it’s going to be seen like the Iraq war vote,” Khanna added, referring to the historic 2002 vote in Congress that authorized the US invasion of Iraq. But there have been signs of cracks in the GOP in recent days amid rumblings of an Iran assault. Even Republicans who support Trump’s push for regime change have said Congress needs to have more input — and particularly more briefings.

Source: CNN February 28, 2026 20:43 UTC