Connecticut Lawmakers Condemn Trump's Military Strikes on Iran

Connecticut Delegation Condemns Iran Strikes as Unauthorized

Connecticut's three most prominent federal lawmakers condemned President Trump's military strikes on Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026, calling the attacks unauthorized and warning of a potential prolonged conflict in the Middle East.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, and Sen. Chris Murphy each issued statements criticizing the strikes, which were conducted jointly with Israel against Iranian military and government targets. The attacks were launched without congressional authorization, according to the New Haven Independent and multiple Connecticut news outlets.

The coordinated strikes targeted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and government facilities across Iran. Israeli forces reported killing senior Iranian military officials. Trump confirmed the apparent killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to reports from WFSB and NBC Connecticut.

Iran responded with missiles and drones targeting Israel and U.S. military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. Trump stated that major combat operations were underway in the region.

DeLauro Calls Strikes 'A Disaster in the Making'

Speaking Saturday morning from her New Haven office, DeLauro delivered the sharpest criticism of the three lawmakers. The congresswoman, who serves as the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, said Trump was risking the lives of American personnel and regional stability without congressional approval.

"The Constitution gives Congress the sole power to declare war," DeLauro said, according to the New Haven Independent.

DeLauro criticized the administration for providing "no justification for this action," "no description of this action," and no indication of "what the imminent threat was." She said the administration's stated goals appeared to have shifted from nuclear deterrence to regime change, and warned of energy price increases as a consequence of the military action.

Blumenthal Pushes for War Powers Resolution

Blumenthal called the strikes "a war of choice" and said the Trump administration had rejected opportunities for diplomacy.

"War must always be a last resort and never a first choice," Blumenthal said in his statement, according to the New Haven Independent. He accused the administration of failing to explain its objectives, end game, or exit strategy, warning of "another forever war."

Blumenthal said he planned to push for a War Powers resolution in the Senate, which could limit or halt U.S. military involvement in Iran. Congress was expected to vote on two resolutions seeking to block further military action, according to NPR and the Washington Post.

Murphy Calls Action 'Dangerously Illegal'

Murphy posted a video to the social media platform X calling the strikes "wildly illegal" and "a mistake of epic scale."

"Has he learned nothing from decades of U.S. military disaster in the Middle East?" Murphy said. "Has he spent not one single minute studying the lives lost and trillions wasted in Iraq and Afghanistan and Syria and Libya? The American public does not want our President dragging us into another totally unnecessary conflict in a far-off land."

Murphy demanded that Congress be called back into session immediately to address the military action.

New Haven Ties to Delegation Run Deep

All three lawmakers have deep ties to the New Haven area. DeLauro represents Connecticut's 3rd Congressional District, which includes New Haven. Blumenthal and Murphy both serve as U.S. senators representing Connecticut and have maintained strong connections to the city.

DeLauro's decision to hold her press availability from her New Haven office underscored the local dimension of the federal response. The Article I constitutional authority she cited — Congress's sole power to declare war — has been a recurring point of contention between the legislative and executive branches during military actions in the Middle East dating back decades.

Congressional War Powers Debate Intensifies

The Iran strikes have reignited a long-running constitutional debate over war powers. The strikes were launched without congressional authorization, though the White House notified top Congressional Democrats and Republicans in the "Gang of Eight" shortly before the attack, according to NPR.

Article I of the Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war. However, presidents have frequently used executive authority to conduct military operations without formal congressional approval, citing national security interests.

Connecticut's Republican opposition pushed back on the delegation's criticism, stating that Trump "has taken the necessary steps to eliminate imminent threats and protect our service members abroad," according to WFSB.

Congress was expected to take up war powers resolutions in the days following the strikes, testing lawmakers' ability to reassert congressional authority over military action.

Got a tip? Reach out to us at tips@thequinnipiacpost.com.