Media: Trump sends letter to Congress defending strikes on Iran

US President Donald Trump on Monday 2 March sent a formal notification to Congress regarding US strikes on Iran, in which he sought to justify the military action.

As reported by Fox News, in the letter, Trump informed Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, that "no US ground forces were used in these strikes" and that the operation "was planned and executed in a manner designed to minimise civilian casualties, deter future attacks and neutralise Iran's malign activities".

The president also indicated that it is currently impossible to determine the full scope of military operations against Iran and that US armed forces are prepared to take further action.

"Although the United States desires a quick and enduring peace, [it is] not possible at this time to know the full scope and duration of military operations that may be necessary," he wrote.

In this regard, Trump stressed that US armed forces remain postured "to take further action, as necessary and appropriate, to address further threats and attacks upon the United States or its allies and partners".

"I directed this military action consistent with my responsibility to protect Americans and United States interests both at home and abroad and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests," the letter reads.

Trump also stated that he acted pursuant to his constitutional authority as commander-in-chief and chief executive to conduct foreign relations of the US.

"Despite my Administration's repeated efforts to achieve a diplomatic solution to Iran's malign behaviour, the threat to the United States and its allies and partners became untenable," Trump adds.

On the morning of 28 February, Trump announced that the US had launched a large-scale operation against Iran. Israel also carried out strikes.

In response, Iran launched attacks on the territory of several Persian Gulf countries where US military bases are located.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said that it was not the US that started this war, but that it would be the one to end it.

Trump said US forces were "knocking the crap" out of Iran, but that a "big wave" was still to come.