Iran

For almost five decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran and its leaders have chanted “death to America.” As the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, the regime has killed or maimed thousands of American citizens and servicemembers. During recent protests, they also killed tens of thousands of their own people. It was past time to cut the head off the snake.

Last June, Operation Midnight Hammer struck three Iranian nuclear facilities. Yet Iran continued its attempts to rebuild its nuclear program and develop long-range missile capabilities, threatening the United States and our allies. Since then, President Trump and his administration have engaged in months of negotiations and diplomatic efforts to get Iran to do the right thing. However, Iran still refused to make a deal.

In the early morning hours of February 28, 2026, President Trump announced that the United States had launched “Operation Epic Fury,” targeting and destroying roughly 1,250 Iranian military targets in the initial strikes.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the attacks, along with many other high-ranking Iranian officials. President Trump also called on the Iranian people, who have been protesting since December, to overthrow their government. The situation continues to evolve by the day, and the Administration is briefing Congress as developments unfold.

The administration laid out its objectives for the strikes: destroy Iran’s missiles and dismantle its missile industry, annihilate its Navy, ensure the regime’s terrorist proxies can no longer attack and kill our soldiers and allies, and ensure that Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon.

By briefing Congress before launching these strikes, President Trump acted within his constitutional authority. That is why both the House and Senate rejected a War Powers Act resolution this week. It was an unnecessary political stunt designed to tie the President’s hands while our men and women overseas defend our country.

Let me be clear—our servicemembers are in harm’s way, and they need our prayers. Iran is fighting back with everything it has, launching drone and missile attacks on our bases across the Middle East. We lost six soldiers in a drone attack on a base in Kuwait, and several more were wounded. Based out of Des Moines, Iowa, these men and women came from all walks of life and years of service. My heart aches for their families.

Ultimately, the threat is real. The Iranian regime has targeted the United States and our allies for years. It was time to take them out. I pray for the safety of our military as they carry out their mission in the days to come.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves