US-Iran Conflict: Colorado Lawmakers Clash Over Trump’s ‘Operation Epic Fury’

Colorado’s congressional delegation is sharply divided following a U.S. And Israeli military operation against Iran, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by President Trump. The strikes, which began Saturday, February 28, 2026, have ignited a debate over presidential war powers and the potential for escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Operation Epic Fury and Khamenei’s Death

President Trump announced the commencement of “Operation Epic Fury” early Saturday morning, following multiple explosions reported across Iran. Later that day, he stated that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed, a claim subsequently confirmed by Iranian state media. The operation targeted Iranian facilities, aiming to counter the country’s nuclear ambitions and regional aggression.

Partisan Divide in Colorado

The response from Colorado’s representatives in Congress fell largely along party lines. Republicans, led by U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans, defended the operation as a necessary measure. Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Jason Crow and U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, condemned the action as unauthorized and warned of the risks of prolonged conflict.

Republican Support for the Strikes

Gabe Evans, a veteran, argued that the strikes were a direct response to 47 years of what he described as the Iranian regime’s “terrorization of its own people and support of terrorist groups.” He emphasized that previous U.S. Efforts to negotiate with Iran regarding its nuclear program had been met with “deception and defiance.” Evans believes the operation is a “necessary step to eliminate Iran’s nuclear weapon capabilities, eliminate imminent threats to the United States and our allies and defend our core national security interests.”

Democratic Criticism of Trump’s Actions

Jason Crow strongly criticized President Trump’s decision, stating that he is “plunging us into another war in the Middle East.” Crow expressed concern that the operation lacked a clear endgame, Congressional authorization, and public support. He characterized it as a “war of choice” with potentially devastating consequences, drawing parallels to decades of failed conflicts in the region.

Previous Actions Against Iran

This latest operation follows a similar action last July, where U.S. Pilots dropped 30,000-pound bombs on key underground uranium enrichment plants in Iran. Both instances have sparked debate over the extent of presidential authority in initiating military action without Congressional approval.

Shared Concerns About Iran’s Nuclear Program

Despite their disagreements on the current operation, both Republicans and Democrats agree on the fundamental goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, they diverge sharply on the best course of action to achieve that objective.