Pelosi cites Libya to criticise Trump’s Iran strikes

Former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi has referenced the 2011 military intervention in Libya while criticising the decision by US President Donald Trump to launch military strikes against Iran.

Pelosi argued that the military action ordered by former US President Barack Obama in Libya differed “entirely” from the current operation authorised by Trump.

According to remarks reported by Fox News, Pelosi said the strikes ordered by Obama in Libya represented a “limited use of military force”, whereas the operation launched by Trump against Iran went far beyond that scope.

“What President Obama did was a limited use of military force. What is happening now is completely different,” Pelosi said.

Democrats criticise Trump over Iran operation

Pelosi’s comments come as Trump faces criticism from several Democratic lawmakers following the start of a military campaign against Iran, reportedly conducted in coordination with Israel and described as “Epic Rage.”

Pelosi argued that the president should have sought congressional approval before initiating the strikes, citing the War Powers Resolution.

The law requires the US administration to notify Congress within 48 hours if American forces enter hostilities. It also stipulates that military operations lasting longer than 60 days must receive explicit legislative authorisation.

Pelosi warns of congressional bypass

Pelosi suggested the military operation against Iran could lead the United States to exceed this legal timeframe, warning that the administration may have circumvented the requirements set by Congress.

“Read the law carefully. We have already lost lives in war, and we do not even know whether everyone acknowledges that a war is now underway,” she said.

Fox News also noted that Pelosi’s current stance appears to contrast with her support for Obama’s decision in 2011, when the United States, together with its allies in NATO, carried out air strikes against forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi during the uprising in Libya.

At the time, Obama justified the intervention as an effort to protect civilians in Benghazi from advancing government forces.

Although Obama did not seek prior congressional authorisation for the operation, Pelosi said she believed the president had the constitutional authority to proceed, arguing that the intervention fell within the scope of a limited military operation.