The Greek Courier
Source: CBS News
Updated on: March 4, 2026 / 1:19 AM EST /
On the fifth day of the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran, President Donald Trump vigorously defended his decision to launch the Thousand and One Epic Missiles against the Persian Theocracy. In an Oval Office address, he asserted that without intervention, a "nuclear war" would have been inevitable, claiming that Iran "would have taken out many countries." Now, is that a fact? No, it isnt. President Trump's assertion reflects a position rather than an established fact.
The idea stems from his administration's perspective on Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional influence, like Witkoff's claim that the Iranians during negotiations had boasted about enriching enough Uranium for 11 nuclear weapons. Now, who would arrive at a negotiating table with a deathwish for leverage?
The Iranian government has categorically denied these claims and has not verified the "11 weapons" figure. Specifically, the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other officials have dismissed the report as "Israeli-driven propaganda" and "media hype" intended to justify ongoing U.S. and Israeli military strikes.
In addition, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported in late February 2026 that it cannot verify the current size of Iran's stockpile because inspectors have been blocked from facilities following recent bombings.
The War Powers Feud
The war powers involved in this conflict have drawn criticism from various sectors, including lawmakers who question the justification for military action. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized that a war powers vote to limit Trump's power could be "dangerous," stating, "Imagine a scenario where Congress would vote to tell the commander in chief that he was no longer allowed to complete this mission." This statement reflects a broader internal Republican support for Trump's military actions. Yet, it does not answer one basic question: To start such a mission, shouldn't you ask Congress first? The Constitution grants Congress the sole power to declare war. Congress has declared war 11 times, including its first declaration of war against Great Britain in 1812. So, if you didn't, how is that legal?
Not a popular war, this one is
Despite Trump's assertions of success in the operations, not only is this considered an unpopular and unnecessary war, but a recent CBS News poll indicates that most Americans feel the administration has not effectively communicated its goals in the conflict. The Democrats were quick to address the issue, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized the administration's inconsistent messaging regarding the war's aims, questioning the rationale behind the military strikes. She noted conflicting statements from officials about the reasons for intervention, raising concerns over the clarity of U.S. objectives in the current situation. Ultimately, many Americans believe the military action may make the U.S. less safe, reflecting a growing dissatisfaction with the ongoing violence. While a significant portion of Trump's Republican base remains supportive of the war, overall public sentiment appears increasingly divided.
At the same time, the Iranians claim that the U.S. and Israel are committing war crimes through their military operations, which have allegedly targeted civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools. The cover photo with credit from CBS News depicts the open graves of the 165 schoolgirls killed in the bombings waiting to host their dead bodies. Incidents such as this will undoubtedly galvanize support for the Theocracy, and as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, while the Americans seek regime change, Iran’s institutional structures remain unaffected and will continue to function under constitutional frameworks. The million-dollar question now is how long Iran can take the pounding before it breaks, and what damage it can do in the process.
Crossfire Hurricane
While Witkoff presents this as a direct admission from the negotiating table, it remains a disputed claim amid the ongoing conflict. Claims about imminent nuclear threats require careful assessment and context. As per the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other experts, while Iran has enriched uranium, there was no conclusive evidence indicating they were on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon at that time.
Yet to start a war without Congress's approval, based on a non-verified claim and not facts at all, is illegal aggression.
The War Powers Feud
The war powers involved in this conflict have drawn criticism from various sectors, including lawmakers who question the justification for military action. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized that a war powers vote to limit Trump's power could be "dangerous," stating, "Imagine a scenario where Congress would vote to tell the commander in chief that he was no longer allowed to complete this mission." This statement reflects a broader internal Republican support for Trump's military actions. Yet, it does not answer one basic question: To start such a mission, shouldn't you ask Congress first? The Constitution grants Congress the sole power to declare war. Congress has declared war 11 times, including its first declaration of war against Great Britain in 1812. So, if you didn't, how is that legal?
Not a popular war, this one is
Despite Trump's assertions of success in the operations, not only is this considered an unpopular and unnecessary war, but a recent CBS News poll indicates that most Americans feel the administration has not effectively communicated its goals in the conflict. The Democrats were quick to address the issue, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized the administration's inconsistent messaging regarding the war's aims, questioning the rationale behind the military strikes. She noted conflicting statements from officials about the reasons for intervention, raising concerns over the clarity of U.S. objectives in the current situation. Ultimately, many Americans believe the military action may make the U.S. less safe, reflecting a growing dissatisfaction with the ongoing violence. While a significant portion of Trump's Republican base remains supportive of the war, overall public sentiment appears increasingly divided.
A mass grave, the final home for so many young souls
At the same time, the Iranians claim that the U.S. and Israel are committing war crimes through their military operations, which have allegedly targeted civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools. The cover photo with credit from CBS News depicts the open graves of the 165 schoolgirls killed in the bombings waiting to host their dead bodies. Incidents such as this will undoubtedly galvanize support for the Theocracy, and as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, while the Americans seek regime change, Iran’s institutional structures remain unaffected and will continue to function under constitutional frameworks. The million-dollar question now is how long Iran can take the pounding before it breaks, and what damage it can do in the process.
Crossfire Hurricane
So, let's turn to the military updates. As the conflict intensifies, Israel has deployed troops into Lebanon, responding to fears that Iran's aggressive actions could destabilize the region further. The drone attack on the U.S. consulate in Dubai is a troubling indicator of the escalating hostilities. In light of ongoing safety concerns, the U.S. State Department urged American citizens to evacuate from 14 countries in the region, stating that "serious safety risks" necessitate immediate action. The U.S. embassies in Beirut, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia are now closed due to the conflict, with six U.S. soldiers already confirmed dead.
The Iranian Red Crescent reported at least 787 fatalities in Iran, but some reports suggest the death toll may be significantly higher.
Escalation of Military Strikes
Explosions were reported in Tehran early Wednesday as Israel launched fresh strikes on various targets, including Iranian military assets. According to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Avichay Adraee, the Israeli Air Force targeted multiple regime-affiliated sites in Tehran, striking buildings associated with Iran's Basij forces—the paramilitary branch of the Revolutionary Guard.
Adraee noted that missile launch platforms and defensive systems were also included in these strikes, showcasing a focused effort to degrade Iran's military efficacy.
Explosions were reported in Tehran early Wednesday as Israel launched fresh strikes on various targets, including Iranian military assets. According to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Avichay Adraee, the Israeli Air Force targeted multiple regime-affiliated sites in Tehran, striking buildings associated with Iran's Basij forces—the paramilitary branch of the Revolutionary Guard.
Adraee noted that missile launch platforms and defensive systems were also included in these strikes, showcasing a focused effort to degrade Iran's military efficacy.
Urgent Evacuations and Safety Measures
In a related note, the Israeli military has issued urgent warnings for residents of 16 southern Lebanese villages, instructing them to evacuate immediately due to expected strikes. The IDF continues its campaign against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, which has launched its own retaliatory attacks into northern Israel. Israel responded by deploying forces across the border, marking a significant military escalation.
While American forces are engaged in what has been dubbed "Operation Epic Fury," the Pentagon has disclosed that nearly 2,000 targets have been struck in Iran over the past 100 hours. According to Adm. Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command, the ongoing operations aim to systematically dismantle Iran's capabilities, including missile launch systems.
In a related note, the Israeli military has issued urgent warnings for residents of 16 southern Lebanese villages, instructing them to evacuate immediately due to expected strikes. The IDF continues its campaign against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, which has launched its own retaliatory attacks into northern Israel. Israel responded by deploying forces across the border, marking a significant military escalation.
While American forces are engaged in what has been dubbed "Operation Epic Fury," the Pentagon has disclosed that nearly 2,000 targets have been struck in Iran over the past 100 hours. According to Adm. Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command, the ongoing operations aim to systematically dismantle Iran's capabilities, including missile launch systems.
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