Trump to Senate: Iran strike was "necessary and proportionate"
President Trump informed the Senate on Monday that he ordered the military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities under his constitutional authority and insisted that his actions were consistent with international law.
Why it matters: Trump is asserting his inherent presidential power. He isn't citing any existing authorization of the use of military force previously approved by Congress.
"The strike was limited in scope and purpose," Trump wrote to the Senate.
"The United States discretely targeted three Iranian nuclear facilities. Iranian troops and other military facilities were not targeted. No United States ground forces were used in the strike."
"I acted pursuant to my constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive and pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct United States foreign relations."
"The United States took this necessary and proportionate action consistent with international law and the United States stands ready to take further action, as necessary and proportionate, to address further threats or attacks."
Zoom out: Sen. Tim Kaine is pushing a vote under the War Powers Resolution of 1973 to limit the president's actions in Iran.
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