In Washington, the Trump administration decided to delay classified briefings for Congress members as they seek further insight into the recent targeted strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. These military actions were authorized by President Donald Trump, who subsequently declared on Monday that a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel had been reached. The Senate’s briefing is now scheduled for Thursday, allowing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to participate according to anonymous sources privy to the change. House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated via social media that the House session will occur on Friday, with details forthcoming.
Amidst these developments, President Trump announced through social media that Israel and Iran had ostensibly agreed to an “Official END” of their conflict. However, tensions briefly resurged on Tuesday when Israel accused Iran of missile strikes, though Trump later affirmed the ceasefire was operational.
Expected to conduct the postponed House and Senate briefings are CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, alongside Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with Deputy Secretaries of State Christopher Landau and Steve Feinberg supporting them.
A number of lawmakers, including some Republicans, expressed concern over Trump’s unilateral military decision-making, emphasizing the need for congressional approval or at least greater disclosure of the rationale. This follows a lack of new intelligence updates since March, when Congress was informed that the U.S. did not believe Iran was progressing towards a new nuclear weapon, according to anonymous sources close to the intelligence briefings.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the briefing delays, citing a legal expectation for the administration to keep Congress informed. He questioned, “What are they afraid of? Why won’t they engage Congress in the critical details?” Similarly, California Rep. Pete Aguilar emphasized the urgency for Congress to receive comprehensive details.
On the other hand, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise justified the delays, referencing the developing nature of the ceasefire scenario. A segment of Congress feels sidelined about the specifics surrounding the strikes and the escalating tensions with the executive branch regarding U.S. involvement overseas. These concerns echo across party lines.
Suspicion from Democrats towards Trump’s international strategy, alongside calls for U.S. involvement in supporting Israel, contrasts with others advocating for non-intervention. Even among Trump’s Republican allies, opinions about intervention are split, though numerous Republicans have supported the strikes, advocating for Trump’s autonomous judgment.
Speaker Johnson defended the president’s authority to carry out the strikes, challenging the constitutionality of the War Powers Act intended to delegate Congress a role in military endeavors. He noted, “The bottom line is the commander in chief is the president, the military reports to the president, and the person empowered to act on the nation’s behalf is the president.”
Following Trump’s ceasefire announcement, Republicans, such as Sen. Bernie Moreno, suggested Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, while Sen. Katie Britt called it a “historic” achievement by “The President of Peace.” However, Democrats persistently demanded further information, especially after Iran retaliated at a U.S. base in Qatar. Schumer demanded an extensive classified briefing to understand the background and implications of Iran’s actions.
Senate Democrats plan to press for a vote on a resolution from Sen. Tim Kaine requiring Congress’s approval for specific military actions in Iran. Kaine stressed the significance of public debate on matters of military engagement affecting American lives.
Despite not seeking preemptive approval for the strikes, Trump notified congressional leaders via a brief letter which justified the actions as advancing U.S. national interests and defending Israel by neutralizing Iran’s nuclear threat. Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries remarked on the absence of explanations regarding imminent threats justifying Trump’s actions, highlighting a lack of responses from the administration.