U.S. Carries Out Limited Strike on Iran’s Known Nuclear Sites (Updates)

After weeks of diplomacy and strategic leveraging, the United States unleashed bunker bombs on three selected, known locations in Iran where nuclear weapon development was clearly weeks, if not days away. There was new, recent evidence that some locations were engaged in moving materials used to build nuclear warhead capabilities elsewhere.

President Donald Trump said the mission was an in and out, select destruction with bombs and planes only owned by the United States Air Force.

Rumors had run wild that the Stealth bombers were on their way to Guam, when they were going in the opposite direction to provide cover for the secret and dangerous mission. When the President decided to return to the White House, and then positioned himself to be unable to take questions, the rumors deepened to something imminent.

More than 120 aircraft were used, in total, some re-fuelers. 30 Tommyhawk missiles also fired.  All US aircraft have returned to bases safely.

At 10pm, President Trump addressed the nation, flanked by Vice President Vance, Sect. of State Rubio, and Sect. of Defense Hegseth. He took no questions:

Moments before President Trump’s address,

The Response:

World leaders have begun to respond as well as US congressional leaders and other politicos, typically heard along party lines. The main US response that is negative in nature notes the limits of Presidential powers and the need to go to Congress to declare war and war actions. A briefing will be held for Senate/House on Tuesday.

Congressional Approval

While presidents routinely act without Congressional approval, there’s no clear legal authority path for large-scale or preventive attacks — like bombing Iran’s nuclear sites. Enforcement is weak, and political will often determines outcomes more than legal boundaries.

Presidents from Nixon to Biden have mostly ignored or worked around it. Courts often refuse to rule, citing it as a “political question,” leaving Congress to check the president, which they rarely do.

Historical Examples: Presidents Using Military Force Without Congress

Examples of actions of some modern presidents and how they have interpreted their authority

1. Ronald Reagan – Libya (1986)

• Action: Airstrikes against Libya after a Berlin bombing killed U.S. soldiers.

• Justification: Self-defense.

• Congress: Was informed, not asked for approval.

• Aftermath: No legal challenge, but criticized for stretching executive authority.

2. Bill Clinton – Kosovo (1999)

• Action: NATO bombing campaign in Yugoslavia, lasting 78 days.

• Congress: Never approved the action; the House actually rejected it.

• Outcome: Clinton continued the campaign anyway — legal gray area.

3. Barack Obama – Libya (2011)

• Action: Airstrikes and support for regime change during the Libyan Civil War.

• Congress: Not consulted for formal authorization.

• Justification: “Limited” engagement, not “hostilities” as defined in War Powers Resolution.

• Reaction: Widely criticized by legal scholars, including the House Speaker at the time.

4. Donald Trump – Syria (2017 & 2018)

• Action: Strikes on Syrian chemical weapons sites.

• Justification: Humanitarian and national security rationale.

• Congress: Not consulted.

• Legal debate: Similar to Iran, many said this violated the Constitution, but no court ruling ever addressed it.

Partisan Responses roll in, even at 2am

Led by Congresswoman AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez), statements, videos and press releases, including those of the RI delegation, seemed to be set up with fingers over the “send” button – and party line responses, largely noting the need to consult Congress, came through.

Arab Countries 

Arab countries are expected to cheer the U.S. actions, though they may not publicly, having lived under constant terror and threats from Iran, all with nuclear capability hovering in the distance.

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Locally, 3 of the 4 Rhode Island congressmen issues statements:

Magaziner Statement 

“The constitution gives Congress, not the President, the authority to decide where and when we wage war. Tonight’s attack is a violation of the checks and balances our nation was founded on. I fear that it risks igniting a broader conflict in the region that could cost the lives of American service members and civilians.

Iran’s government is a murderous regime that supports terrorism and cannot be trusted to possess nuclear weapons. But whether Iran poses a significant enough threat to the United States to justify war is a question that should have been debated openly before the public in Congress before any strike took place. Congress must reassert its authority to determine any use of force going forward.

Tonight, I pray for the American troops and civilians in harm’s way across the Middle East. We cannot have another endless war.”

Amo issues one sentence quotes:

“Only Congress has the power to declare war.

Trump’s unconstitutional, unilateral strikes against Iran endanger Americans and undermine Congress’ authority. He risks dragging the U.S. into another endless war, breaking his promise to end foreign conflicts. 

Trump failed at his obligation to receive approval from Congress for these actions.

Moreover, there is no certainty that the strikes will prevent the nuclear capacity that Trump suggests, while putting U.S. troops in the region in danger.

The Middle East deserves peace and security, but Trump’s actions jeopardize that outcome.

The Administration should engage our allies and genuinely pursue diplomacy. 

The consequences are stark and there’s an overwhelming burden on the Administration to justify this course of action.”

Senator Jack Reed:

What we do know is that the United States of America has the strongest military in the world powered by brave men and women who expertly supported and executed this mission.  We are grateful for their service and we must be prepared for retaliation — both in the short and long-term, on the battlefield and asymmetrically.

Congress needs to be briefed in a classified setting. And I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure the American people get the facts and answers they deserve.

It’s easier to start wars than end them. Even though the U.S. maintains military dominance, we are in a dangerous stage that could lead to significant instability in the region and beyond.  We must be prepared for contingencies going forward.

I strongly urge the Trump Administration to immediately pursue restraint, diplomacy, and international engagement to prevent further bloodshed.

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Next step – Iran

Will Iran put down their arms and walk to the negotiation table?  It is highly unlikely. The goals and philosophies of the people are contrary to America. As we publish, Iran is already unleashing more missiles at the city of Tel Aviv in Israel. 45 missiles have been unleashed, with 10 getting through. There is extensive damage, and minimal injuries. The next few days should tell more.

Reuters is reporting that Iran is saying the uranium and nuclear items had already been moved from the sites. What does this mean? If true, will they have the “talent” capabilities to rush to production, knowing that many of the scientists have been extinguished.

Iran has also said that all US troops, people and facilities in their reach – and beyond – are fair game. One leader in the US said he worries about “a lucky shot”, and how the US would need to respond. There are 40,000 US troops in the Middle East.

But for now, the known nuclear threat from 3 major facilities appears to have been extinguished. It is a historical moment as the world holds its breath.

In the long term, changing the mindset of countries and leaders like Khomeini and Iran is the future as nuclear capabilities will also be “in development” – negotiations, peace strategy, and living a life not dedicated to destroying perceived enemies is key.  Presidents and world leaders have ignored the greater strategy for years.

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Russian President Putin

When asked if Russia should be doing more, Pres. Putin responded, “Some say we should do more regarding Iran. Do more what? Military action? We are already at war — in Ukraine.”

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Press Conference Set

There is a press conference set for TODAY at 8am, to be led by Peter Hegseth, US Secretary of Defense

This is a developing story