The US Begins Military Excursion into Iran

On Saturday, the United States launched an attack on Iran, killing its leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran immediately responded by attacking US military bases in the Middle East. Concerns of widespread war were quickly raised. The US and Israel jointly launched a large-scale attack on Tehran, Iran’s capital, and other major Iranian cities.

Despite the US saying it was focusing on military targets, hundreds of people have died, many of them being civilians. US President Donald Trump described the attack as a “major combat operation”. The president also said he wanted to change Iran’s government completely (pbs.org). He also provided many reasons for the attack, such as preventing Iran from continuing development of nuclear weapons.

Other countries have also encouraged President Trump to attack Iran, such as Saudi Arabia. It is still unclear how the US and Israel expect the war to end, or who is to lead Iran once the war is over.

President Trump stated on social media that he planned to end the military excursion in Iran when “I feel it in my bones” (Truth Social). Under Article I of the Constitution, only Congress is allowed to declare war and begin military excursions into foreign territories. Many members of Congress are planning to discuss the war later this week.

Under international law, the attack on Iran would also not be allowed. In summary, the US attacked Iran, killing its top leader, in a move that is seen by many as violating international law. Current updates to the situation include hope for a ceasefire in exchange for Iran relinquishing control over the Strait of Hormuz.