The United States has not declared war on Iran. On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel began launching attacks against various targets in Iran. This came after weeks of negotiations over limiting Iran’s nuclear program and the reach of its military. Pres. Donald Trump referred to the campaign as “major combat operations” and mentioned the possibility of U.S. casualties, noting that it “often happens in war.” Despite this characterization, the United States was not formally at war with Iran. Under Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution, only Congress has the authority to declare war.
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