National Security Leaders for America Statement on Operation Epic Fury

Professional Military Execution Requires Constitutional Oversight, Strategic Clarity, and Cross-Agency Coordination

March 6, 2026

Washington, DC, March 6, 2026 National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A) expresses unwavering support for the United States service members who are executing this operation with discipline, professionalism, and courage. Those American servicemembers who sacrificed their lives in Iranian attacks in Kuwait and their families deserve our deepest condolences and utmost respect.

Still, we are deeply concerned by the political and legal justification for initiating Operation Epic Fury and by the strategic, constitutional, and diplomatic consequences now unfolding. We urge Congress to assert its role in America’s warmaking decisions and demand from the Administration a clear explanation of the legal authority claimed for initiating hostilities; the strategic objectives and desired end state; and the scope and anticipated duration of Operation Epic Fury.

“The men and women of our Armed Forces are successfully executing their mission with extraordinary professionalism under dangerous conditions,” said retired Rear Admiral Mike Smith, Founder and President of NSL4A. “We mourn those killed in Kuwait and stand firmly with their families. Our service members carry out lawful orders with honor. Civilian leaders bear responsibility for ensuring those orders are grounded in clear strategy, lawful authority, and a defined end state—so that sacrifice is never asked without necessity, accountability, and purpose. NSL4A’s concerns do not stem from the courage and competence of our warfighters, but from the lack of clarity from their civilian leadership.”

While NSL4A recognizes Iran’s long and unforgivable record of supporting terrorist organizations and using their proxies to kill U.S. citizens, attack U.S. interests, and destabilize regional partners, we strongly believe the United States is strongest—and most secure—when it employs force within constitutional guardrails, with strategic discipline, and with a credible diplomatic plan to prevent escalation.

NSL4A calls on the Administration to address several key concerns that have arisen since Operation Epic Fury began, including: 

• Why have public justifications for this operation evolved, raising urgent questions about the legality, objective, scope, and the intended end state?

• When will Congress authorize Operation Epic Fury, establishing a core guardrail designed to prevent open-ended conflict and ensure democratic accountability?

• Did civilian leaders adequately anticipate escalation risks and ensure adequate force protection and contingency planning were in place prior to initiating hostilities?

• Was the State Department fully informed, prepared, and funded to fulfill its duty to protect and evacuate American citizens caught in the region as our government commenced military operations? 

Retired Ambassador Elizabeth McKune, former U.S. Ambassador to Qatar and NSL4A member, stated, “When military action begins, the burden on our diplomats rises immediately and dramatically.  Embassies must have the personnel, funding, and logistical capacity to support Americans in harm’s way. If U.S. citizens faced delayed assistance or inadequate evacuation support, it is a warning sign that our diplomatic infrastructure has been weakened at the worst possible time and our embassies likely received inadequate warning to properly prepare.”

McKune added that "History has taught us that no army can succeed without clear objectives, and political leadership’s shifting public rationales for the war imply we do not have one. That is an unacceptable and unnecessary risk for our servicemen and women and for our diplomats overseas."

NSL4A further calls on the Administration to explain its escalation-control measures, force protection posture, and plans to protect and assist Americans in the region—including evacuation contingencies. Congress must fulfill its constitutional responsibilities by holding prompt oversight hearings and demanding the Administration’s legal rationale and strategic plan. It must reassert its role in authorizing—or limiting—continued hostilities to ensure accountability and restore essential democratic guardrails.

“The strength of the United States lies not only in military power, but in the constitutional order that governs its use. Decisions of war and peace must be lawful, strategically coherent, and accountable to the American people,” said Smith. 

NSL4A will continue to monitor developments and will issue further statements as more verified facts become available.