Thune, John R – War Watch

Democratic Party | House of Representatives | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Johnson, Mike (1972- ) | Republican Party | Senate | Thune, John R | Trump, Donald J | United States Politics and Government | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026) | War and Emergency Powers (US)

As Trump Swings on Iran War, Republican Leaders in Congress Are Largely Silent
ByRobert Jimison April 8, 2026April 8, 2026

In a week in which President Trump has veered from threatening to wipe out Iranian civilization to declaring a cease-fire, Congress is out of session and lawmakers with the power to declare war are mostly in the dark.

Read More As Trump Swings on Iran War, Republican Leaders in Congress Are Largely Silent
Defense Department | Democratic Party | House Committee on Armed Services | House Committee on Intelligence | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Jeffries, Hakeem | Johnson, Mike (1972- ) | Reed, Jack | Republican Party | Rubio, Marco | Schumer, Charles E | Senate Committee on Armed Services | Senate Committee on Intelligence | Thune, John R | United States International Relations | United States Politics and Government

The Trump administration notified Congress in advance of the Iran strikes.
ByRobert Jimison, Michael Gold, Julian Barnes, Eric Schmitt and Tyler Pager February 28, 2026

The notification stood in contrast to past military actions President Trump has undertaken unilaterally without consulting with Congress, drawing bipartisan anger.

Read More The Trump administration notified Congress in advance of the Iran strikes.
Iran | Iran-Israel War (2025- ) | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Kaine, Timothy M | Massie, Thomas H | Paul, Rand | Schumer, Charles E | Shaheen, Jeanne | Thune, John R | United States International Relations | United States Politics and Government | War Powers Act (1973)

Congress Faces War Powers Votes in Wake of Iran Strikes
ByRobert Jimison and Megan Mineiro February 28, 2026February 28, 2026

Following the attack, Democrats and a few Republicans escalated their calls for swift votes on whether to curb the president’s power to continue using force against Iran without explicit authorization.

Read More Congress Faces War Powers Votes in Wake of Iran Strikes
Democratic Party | Iran | Iran-Israel War (2025- ) | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Jeffries, Hakeem | Johnson, Mike (1972- ) | Massie, Thomas H | Mullin, Markwayne | Republican Party | Senate | Thune, John R | Trump, Donald J | United States Politics and Government

Republican Lawmakers Cheer Strike on Iran as Top Democrats Condemn It
ByRobert Jimison and Michael Gold June 22, 2025June 23, 2025

Republicans in Congress praised President Trump’s decision to hit Iran. Many Democrats and some G.O.P. lawmakers said he should have consulted Congress.

Read More Republican Lawmakers Cheer Strike on Iran as Top Democrats Condemn It