Says Iran has been at war with the U.S. for almost a half century

Daniel S. SullivanU.S. senator from Alaska

Sen. Dan Sullivan told reporters he would not generally support taking out world leaders but called Iran's leaders terrorists, and in a congressional hearing days later said Iran has been at war with the United States for almost a half century and has killed and wounded thousands of Americans.

“This country's been at war with us for almost a half century, and they've killed thousands and wounded thousands of our best and brightest.”

Reporting

Open source (opens in a new tab)Alaska's congressional delegation votes to support American-Israeli war with Iran
A U.S. Air Force fighter configured for combat operations during Operation Epic Fury.
Credit: U.S. Air Force / U.S. Central Command

Where this statement fits

Do they support the war in Iran?

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Source and context

Reporting

Alaska's congressional delegation votes to support American-Israeli war with Iran (opens in a new tab)

About this source

Begich's February 28 statement was quoted in Alaska Beacon coverage of the delegation's war powers votes.

Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Before the quotation

Sullivan spoke to reporters on February 28, the first day of the strikes, and reiterated his position at a hearing days later.

After the quotation

Sullivan is running for re-election in 2026 and voted against Senate Iran war powers resolutions.

How this statement is classified

Defended or excused

The label describes this statement's response within the context above.

Why this label?

Sullivan framed the strikes as a response to decades of Iranian attacks on Americans, a supportive position.

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“As a member of Congress, I would not support additional funding for an expanded military conflict without clear intelligence, documented evidence of the threat, a defined mission, and a full understanding of what we’re asking our military to do. I would want to review that intelligence myself before making a decision that could put American lives at risk. I will always support doing whatever is necessary to defend the United States and protect the American people. But I will never support sending our sons and daughters into another unnecessary war simply because Washington decides that’s what we should do.”
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“I support an effort to stop attacks on Americans by Iran and its’ proxies, restore peace in the Middle East and the restoration of prosperity to Iranian people. How we get there is the something that must be addressed. I am not in favor of boots on the ground at this time, but to make a final judgement without understanding capabilities, ally support and course of action would be premature.”
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The Dispute Index
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Says Iran has been at war with the U.S. for almost a half century
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https://disputeindex.com/events/2647-sen-dan-sullivan-told-reporters-he-would-not

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The Dispute Index. "Says Iran has been at war with the U.S. for almost a half century". First published: 2026-09-25. Last updated: 2026-09-25. https://disputeindex.com/events/2647-sen-dan-sullivan-told-reporters-he-would-not