FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2026
Republican Liberty Caucus Statement on Military Strikes in Iran
The Republican Liberty Caucus has long supported President Trump’s commitment to an America First foreign policy — a policy of strength through diplomacy, restraint, and putting American interests ahead of foreign entanglements. It is precisely because of this commitment that we must speak clearly: the military strikes on Iran conducted jointly with Israel are a dangerous departure from that promise.
The Constitution is unambiguous. Article I, Section 8 vests the power to declare war in Congress — not the President. The RLC has held this position consistently for over 30 years, regardless of which party occupies the White House. The War Powers Resolution further restricts unilateral executive military action to situations involving an imminent threat to the United States or a direct attack on American forces. No such imminent threat has been demonstrated to the American people or their elected representatives in Congress.
We acknowledge that the President has access to intelligence that the public and most members of Congress do not. However, this administration told the American people that last summer’s Operation Midnight Hammer successfully dismantled Iran’s nuclear capabilities. If that is true, the justification for today’s strikes as a response to an imminent nuclear threat collapses under the weight of the administration’s own claims. If it is not true, the American people deserve to know that — and Congress deserves a full accounting before American lives are put at risk.
The law of unintended consequences is undefeated. Iraq. Afghanistan. Libya. Syria. Each began with promises of swift, decisive action. Each devolved into prolonged conflict, squandered American treasure, and cost American lives.
These strikes have exponentially increased the threat to Americans abroad — particularly our brave service members who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way.
During his first term, the President proved that an America First foreign policy works. His willingness to negotiate from strength — rather than default to military force — was a defining achievement and a primary reason the American people returned him to office. We urge the President to return to that proven approach: pursue diplomatic solutions, seek proper congressional authorization for any further military action, and honor the constitutional framework that distinguishes a republic from an empire.
We stand with Rep. Thomas Massie, Sen. Rand Paul, and every member of Congress — Republican or Democrat — who is demanding a war powers vote. The Constitution does not have a party affiliation, and neither does the RLC’s commitment to defending it. The RLC stands for principles, not personalities. We will praise this administration when it advances liberty and hold it accountable when it does not. That is what we have done since 1991, and that is what the American people deserve.
About the Republican Liberty Caucus: The Republican Liberty Caucus is a 527 voluntary grassroots membership organization dedicated to working within the Republican Party to advance the principles of individual rights, limited government and free markets. Founded in 1991, it is the oldest continuously-operating organization within the Liberty Republican movement.
