The president says Iran must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. In his February 24 speech to Congress, he said of Iran’s leaders, “They want to make a deal, but we haven’t heard those secret words: ‘We will never have a nuclear weapon.’”
This is untrue, as we have heard “those secret words” many times.
For decades Iran has declared that nuclear weapons production would violate principles of the Quran, the government’s holy book, that it is not pursuing a nuclear arsenal, and that its uranium enrichment is strictly for civilian uses. The enrichment of uranium for civil nuclear reactor fuel is permitted by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Iran is a party to this treaty while the openly genocidal government of Israel, which possesses an arsenal of several hundred nuclear weapons, is not.
Speaking in Tehran on January 21, 2025, Ahmadreza Pourkhaghan, the head of Iran’s Armed Forces Judiciary, said, “The late Imam Khomeini did not allow the use of chemical weapons or any illegal and unconventional weapons, even against enemy forces,” and therefore, “it is based on this doctrine that the Supreme Leader [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei] does not permit the armed forces of the Islamic Republic to develop nuclear weapons.”
Dr. Saeid Golkar, at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, reported Feb. 11, 2025 that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi “reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and cited a religious decree, known as a fatwa, by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which bans weapons of mass destruction as evidence of Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.”
In October 2003, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei issued an oral fatwa, or a religious order, declaring that nuclear weapons are forbidden under Islamic law, and condemning nuclear weapons as “haram” (forbidden), and banning the production and use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in any form.
Ever since, Khamenei and other officials have repeatedly declared that Iran does not wish to produce nuclear weapons because Islamic law prohibits WMD.
For example, in 2021, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy reported that:
“Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s years-old fatwa banning nuclear weapons is again making headlines. The regime and its supporters, including former nuclear spokesman Hossein Mousavian, have long claimed that the fatwa is permanent and adduced it as proof that Iran is religiously forbidden from acquiring such weapons.”
In 2019, the radio broadcast The World reported that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, “said that Iran was not looking to acquire nuclear weapons for a surprising reason — that they were illegal under Islamic law.”
In 2012, Farhad Shahabi Sirjani reported that:
“[A]longside the negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, special media attention was paid to a Fatwa (religious decree) issued by Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, banning all weapons of mass destruction, nuclear weapons in particular.”
With a vast armada of U.S. Navy warships now menacing Iran, the memory of undeclared, unlawful, and unconstitutional U.S. forever wars in Iraq and Afghanistan ought to echo in the minds of Pentagon brass and White House advisors. The world knows Iran has no WMD, and no propaganda campaign or ginned-up White Papers have even been unveiled as a pretext for another unprovoked U.S. war of aggression. The bombing of Iran last June, the bombing of Venezuela last January, the ongoing bombing of civilian speed boats may not yet have habituated the public to blindly gratuitous militarism.
###
John LaForge, syndicated by PeaceVoice, is Co-director of Nukewatch a nuclear power and weapons watchdog group.
The President in his own words here.
US, Israel strike Iran; Iran threatens retaliation
Sen. Graham backs Trump: ‘I echo his call to the Iranian people to take back their government.’
BY: JACOB FISCHLER AND JANE NORMAN - FEBRUARY 28, 2026 7:53 AM
WASHINGTON — U.S. forces have launched “major combat operations” on targets in Iran, President Donald Trump said in a video posted to social media at 2:30 a.m. Eastern Saturday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacks were conducted in conjunction with Israel.
Trump said, “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.”
He said the U.S. aims to prevent the Islamic Republic of Iran from ever obtaining nuclear weapons. “This regime will soon learn no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States armed forces,” said Trump.
He acknowledged that “we may have casualties. That often happens in war. But we’re doing this not for now, we’re doing it for the future.”
He encouraged the Iranian people to rise up against their government. “Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take,” Trump said. “It will be probably your only chance for generations.”
Trump apparently was speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he flew Friday night following an appearance in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Netanyahu in a statement on social media thanked Trump and echoed the U.S. president’s comments about nuclear arms.
“This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity,” Netanyahu said. “Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands.”
The Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Iran said on social media that the attack came while the United States and Iran were in the midst of diplomatic talks, and vowed a response.
“Now the Iranian people are proud that they did everything necessary to prevent war,” said the statement. “Now is the time to defend the homeland and confront the enemy’s military aggression. Just as we were ready for negotiations, we have been more prepared than ever for defense. The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will respond to the aggressors with authority.”
The Associated Press said the first strikes appeared to target the compound of Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. The Reuters news service said the skies above Tehran were filled with smoke.
The strikes were not specifically authorized by Congress and it was not immediately clear if lawmakers were notified before the attack began. Trump also ordered airstrikes in Venezuela and the capture of the country’s president earlier this year.
Some members of Congress expressed skepticism about that operation, saying it should have been brought to the legislative branch that is supposed to have war-making powers under the Constitution.
The United States and its allies have long debated how to approach Iran’s nuclear program. The country’s regime is strongly anti-American and the U.S. has imposed economic sanctions for the nearly half-century since a revolution installed a theocratic supreme leader.
Congress reacts
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina praised the move on social media early Saturday. “I echo President Trump’s call to the Iranian military, IRGC and security forces to lay down their arms. I echo his call to the Iranian people to take back their government,” said Graham.
“President Trump was right when he said he’s the first president in 47 years to stand with the people of Iran and give them the backing they need.”
Democratic Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey called for an immediate vote on a war powers resolution by Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine.
“Americans don’t want to go to war with Iran,” Kim said on social media.
“By launching strikes, President Trump has made the same dangerous and foolish decision President Bush did a generation ago. He put Americans in harm’s way without clearly showing there’s an imminent threat to our national security. He put the Iranian people in harm’s way by calling on them to rise up without a broad coalition of partners to assist in their protection. And Trump once again started a cycle of violence that has already escalated and could spiral out of control. This is unacceptable.”
Democratic Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts said diplomatic talks should be continued. “Trump’s military attack on Iran is illegal and unconstitutional. It was not approved by Congress and holds dangers for all Americans. Trump’s illegal actions raise the threat of escalation into a wider regional war with grave risks for U.S. troops and civilians in the region,” Markey said in a statement.
This is a developing story.
Jacob covers federal policy and helps direct national coverage as deputy Washington bureau chief for States Newsroom. Based in Oregon, he focuses on Western issues. His coverage areas include climate, energy development, public lands and infrastructure.
SC Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
Jane directs national coverage, managing staff and freelance reporters in the nation’s capital and assigning and editing state-specific daily and enterprise stories.
SC Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
War on Iran --- by Mel Gurtov
The Illogic of War
The Trump administration reportedly cannot understand why Iran is refusing to accede to US demands that it halt uranium enrichment, limit the range of its ballistic missiles, and stop supporting militant groups in the region. After all, Iran’s economy is in dire straits, people have resumed demonstrating against the regime, and the US has arrayed enough firepower offshore to conduct a world war.
Trump is acting as though he wants to finish the job he started last June, when it turned out that Iran’s nuclear facilities had not been obliterated as claimed. Yet with all those negative signs, Iran has refused to fold.
This situation is hardly new to US foreign policy specialists. An opponent that appears to be weak and facing overwhelming power nevertheless refuses to capitulate.
Think North Vietnam in the 1960s and 1970s, North Korea, Cuba over decades, or even Venezuela until recently. Logically, weak regimes ought to give in rather than face destruction. But that is not always where logic leads. Ask the Ukrainians.
Why is the capacity to resist often outweighed by the necessity to resist? A regime facing an adversary with awesome military power may consider that to give in would be to surrender its legitimacy. And regime legitimacy is crucial to political survival.
Leaders in all those countries that have faced US threats came to power in revolutionary movements directed against an “imperialist” enemy. Their right to rule vanishes if they fail to confront that enemy, no matter the odds. Moreover, they must assume that the enemy’s real aim is not merely to further weaken the regime but to displace it.
“For Iran, submitting to U.S. terms is more dangerous than suffering another U.S. strike,” said Ali Vaez, the Iran director of the International Crisis Group. “They don’t believe that once they capitulate, the U.S. will alleviate the pressure. They believe that would only encourage the U.S. to go for the jugular.”
Regime change, in other words. Thus, Ali Khomeini (or his successor) may have no choice but to reject US demands that would amount to surrender of what Iran considers sovereign rights: nuclear enrichment for civilian purposes and missiles to deter or counter an Israeli or US attack.
Iran’s leaders surely also calculate that the Trump administration is in political trouble at home. Attacking Iran would probably not improve Trump’s political fortunes. It will have costs: lives will be lost, anti-war public opinion will intensify, and the US will have few if any allies behind its action other than Israel.
Trump’s joint chiefs chairman, General Dan Caine, is said to have informed Trump that “shortfalls in critical munitions and a lack of support from allies” increase the risks of an attack on Iran.
Why is fighting preferable to talking? Obama was able to reach a nuclear agreement with Iran that Trump discarded. Why, many will (and should) ask, can’t Trump reach a deal with Iran?
Iran seems committed to talking. “We are ready to reach an agreement as soon as possible,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi told NPR in an interview February 24. “We want to do whatever is necessary to make it happen.”
Iran has taken a nuclear weapon off the table, reiterating a longstanding position that it does not seek to possess one. Trump said he prefers a diplomatic resolution, and that could include Iran’s willingness to pledge a no-nukes policy, subject to international inspection, in return for US acceptance of Iran’s right to uranium enrichment for energy.
Trump attacked, possibly in the belief he can get better terms, but the minister said, “we will respond in accordance with our defensive planning. Therefore, everybody should be aware that a war can be started, but to end that war, it is not easy. …The whole region will suffer as a result of an aggression against Iran.”
The current debate about US war making neglects the more important question: What gives Trump the right to attack? What legal or moral basis is there for waging war against a country that does not have, and may not seek, a nuclear weapon, and does not pose a danger to the US or to other vital US national interests?
Trump’s secretary of state is informing several members of Congress about US policy, but the President is clearly not seeking their approval. The administration has yet to make a case for war to all of Congress or to the public; it is simply moving ahead with one. Some Congressional Democrats are once again (as with Venezuela before the US seized Nicolas Maduro) trying to gain support for the War Powers Resolution. But they won’t get it.
Neglect to give the same serious attention to these questions as to military strategy has undermined US foreign policy on many past occasions. Does Trump think Iran will be as easy to defeat as Venezuela, or that he’ll be the de facto leader of Iran just as he thinks of himself as Venezuela’s real president?
Another attack on Iran, far beyond last June's, will not only risk a quagmire, political instability in some Middle East countries, and large-scale losses of life. It will also cement the Trump administration’s reputation as an aggressor state—a reputation future administrations will have great difficulty overcoming.
And Now
Trump delivered his war speech in the dead of night. No need to awaken the American people or members of Congress. He made clear that regime change is the US aim, that the attacks seek destruction of Iran’s political leadership and military forces, and that US casualties are to be expected. Iran is responding with attacks on Israeli targets. Trump seems to believe that bombing will lead the Iranian people to rise up and overthrow the Khomeini regime.
Even if that were to happen, it would not justify US aggression.
Trump’s war on Iran should be opposed by anyone who respects international law, democratic processes, and the value of negotiating over fighting. Trump deserves to be repudiated by US allies, Congress, and international organizations.
I believe US military leaders are deeply concerned about being put in the position of waging war against a country that does not pose a national security threat. The US is likely to face new tensions and further conflict in the Middle East while Russia and China look on.
We, Israel, and the Middle East as a whole are far less secure now thanks to the Trump regime’s outrageous decision.
--end--
Mel Gurtov, syndicated by PeaceVoice, is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Portland State University.
UPDATE:
US, Israel strike Iran; Democrats call for immediate vote on Trump war powers
BY: JACOB FISCHLER AND JANE NORMAN - FEBRUARY 28, 2026
7:53 AM UPDATED 4:58 PM
WASHINGTON — Democratic lawmakers called Saturday for Congress to weigh in on President Donald Trump’s order launching “major combat operations” in Iran, while Republicans largely provided cautious support of the attacks.
Trump said in a video posted to social media at 2:30 a.m. Eastern that U.S. forces struck targets in the Islamic republic. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacks were conducted in conjunction with Israel.
Trump said, “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.”
Late Saturday afternoon, Trump said on his Truth Social platform that Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in the strike.
“This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS,” said Trump. “The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!”
U.S. Senate leaders react
On Saturday morning, as word of the attack spread, numerous Democratic members of Congress were urging a vote on Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine’s War Powers Resolution.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he had “implored” Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a briefing this week to make a straightforward public case for any military operation in the Middle East.
The New York Democrat criticized the administration’s strategy, though he also had tough words about the Iranian regime. He called for an “immediate all-senators classified briefing” ahead of a vote on a War Powers Act resolution.
“The administration has not provided Congress and the American people with critical details about the scope and immediacy of the threat,” Schumer said in a statement. “Confronting Iran’s malign regional activities, nuclear ambitions, and harsh oppression of the Iranian people demands American strength, resolve, regional coordination, and strategic clarity. Unfortunately, President Trump’s fitful cycles of lashing out and risking wider conflict are not a viable strategy.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised Trump for taking action to deter Iran from expanding its nuclear program and supporting terrorist groups in the region.
The country poses “a clear and unacceptable threat to U.S. servicemembers, citizens in the region, and many of our allies,” the South Dakota Republican wrote in a statement. “Despite the dogged efforts of the president and his administration, the Iranian regime has refused the diplomatic off-ramps that would peacefully resolve these national security concerns.”
Thune added that administration officials would brief senators as the operation continued.
Nuclear weapon ambitions
Trump said in the early-morning video that the U.S. aims to prevent the Islamic Republic of Iran from ever obtaining nuclear weapons. “This regime will soon learn no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States armed forces,” said Trump.
He acknowledged that “we may have casualties. That often happens in war. But we’re doing this not for now, we’re doing it for the future.”
Trump also encouraged the Iranian people to rise up against their government. “Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take,” Trump said. “It will be probably your only chance for generations.”
Trump spoke from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he flew Friday night following an appearance in Corpus Christi, Texas. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on social media Trump monitored the situation overnight with members of his national security team, and he spoke with Netanyahu by phone.
Prior to the attacks, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” Leavitt said Rubio notified both Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress.
Netanyahu in a statement on social media thanked Trump and echoed the U.S. president’s comments about nuclear arms.
“This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity,” Netanyahu said. “Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands.”
Iranians say they tried to prevent war
Iran Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi early Saturday afternoon wrote a letter to the secretary-general of the United Nations and the president of the U.N. Security Council that “strongly condemned the coordinated and extensive armed aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” according to a statement on social media by the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Iran also said that the attack came while the United States and Iran were in the midst of diplomatic talks, and vowed a response.
“Now the Iranian people are proud that they did everything necessary to prevent war,” the ministry said. “Now is the time to defend the homeland and confront the enemy’s military aggression. Just as we were ready for negotiations, we have been more prepared than ever for defense. The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will respond to the aggressors with authority.”
The Associated Press said the first strikes appeared to target the compound of Khamenei in Tehran. The Reuters news service said the skies above Tehran were filled with smoke.
The strikes were not specifically authorized by Congress. Trump also ordered airstrikes in Venezuela and the capture of the country’s president earlier this year.
Some members of Congress expressed skepticism about that operation, saying it should have been brought to the legislative branch that is supposed to have war-making powers under the Constitution.
The United States and its allies have long debated how to approach Iran’s nuclear program. The country’s regime is strongly anti-American and the U.S. has imposed economic sanctions for the nearly half-century since a revolution installed a theocratic supreme leader.
Republicans echo Trump
Republicans largely laid responsibility for the attacks on the Iranian regime, saying its aggressive posture invited action.
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina praised the move on social media early Saturday. “I echo President Trump’s call to the Iranian military, IRGC and security forces to lay down their arms. I echo his call to the Iranian people to take back their government,” said Graham.
“President Trump was right when he said he’s the first president in 47 years to stand with the people of Iran and give them the backing they need.”
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, a Florida Republican, said the strikes were “the inescapable response to 47 years of continuous and calculated aggression by the Ayatollah of Iran and all his generals against the United States, our allies, and the Iranian people.”
“Every day under this regime, the United States and our allies have been under imminent threat of attack by Iran and its terrorist arms across the globe,” Mast said. “They chanted ‘Death to America’ while seeking nuclear weapons and the missile technology to strike our homeland. The days of America waiting to be attacked by Iran are over.”
Democrats warn of long-term commitment
Democrats, though, called out the administration for going around Congress. Many said Trump should be more focused on domestic issues.
“Though there is bipartisan support for stopping the development of nuclear weapons in Iran, there is no consensus for another interminable war in the Middle East,” Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois said.
“A war in Iran with the goal of regime change could be another long-term military commitment with deadly consequences for thousands of American troops. The rash and unpredictable conduct of President Trump is a well-established worry in many ways but an impulsive commander in chief is a deadly combination.”
House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts blasted Trump for violating a campaign pledge of “no new wars” by launching the attack “under cloak of night, without congressional approval of even a clear rationale.”
“Families do not want another war,” she said. “They want a reasonable cost of living. They want health care they can afford. They want an end to (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)’s terror in their neighborhoods. And they do not want their sons and daughters placed in harm’s way by a reckless President. The people of this country deserve better.”
Democratic Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey called for an immediate vote on a war powers resolution.
“Americans don’t want to go to war with Iran,” Kim said on social media.
“By launching strikes, President Trump has made the same dangerous and foolish decision President Bush did a generation ago. He put Americans in harm’s way without clearly showing there’s an imminent threat to our national security. He put the Iranian people in harm’s way by calling on them to rise up without a broad coalition of partners to assist in their protection. And Trump once again started a cycle of violence that has already escalated and could spiral out of control. This is unacceptable.”
Democratic Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts said diplomatic talks should be continued. “Trump’s military attack on Iran is illegal and unconstitutional. It was not approved by Congress and holds dangers for all Americans. Trump’s illegal actions raise the threat of escalation into a wider regional war with grave risks for U.S. troops and civilians in the region,” Markey said in a statement.
Jacob covers federal policy and helps direct national coverage as deputy Washington bureau chief for States Newsroom. Based in Oregon, he focuses on Western issues. His coverage areas include climate, energy development, public lands and infrastructure.
SC Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
Jane directs national coverage, managing staff and freelance reporters in the nation’s capital and assigning and editing state-specific daily and enterprise stories.
SC Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
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