WASHINGTON (AP) — Senators are set to meet with top national security officials on Thursday amid rising concerns regarding President Donald Trump’s decision to bomb three Iranian nuclear sites and the overall effectiveness of those strikes. This classified briefing, originally scheduled for Tuesday but postponed, occurs as the Senate prepares to vote on a resolution requiring congressional approval for any future military action against Iran.
Critics, including many Democrats and some Republicans, argue that Trump overstepped his authority by not consulting Congress prior to the military actions and are demanding more insight into the intelligence that informed his decision. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the need for transparency, expressing outrage at the postponement of the briefings for both the Senate and the House, which is now set for Friday.
The briefing on Thursday is expected to feature CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was expected to attend the Tuesday briefing but will not be present on Thursday. Lawmakers are eager to grill these officials regarding the veracity of the claims surrounding the success of the strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
A preliminary intelligence assessment reportedly indicated that the strikes had only delayed Iran's nuclear program by a few months, which contradicts Trump's and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assertions about the comprehensive destruction of these facilities. Those familiar with the intelligence report, who requested anonymity, noted the findings but did not disclose further details.
In response to the situation, both Gabbard and Ratcliffe released statements supporting Trump's narrative that the Iranian facilities had been "completely and fully obliterated." Gabbard stated on social media that updated intelligence confirms the facilities' destruction, suggesting that if Iran were to rebuild, it would take years. Ratcliffe also backed this claim, asserting that Iran's nuclear program has been "severely damaged" and that any rebuild would take a significant amount of time.
Most Republicans in Congress have firmly defended Trump, praising the ceasefire he negotiated in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his belief in the constitutionality of the military actions taken by the President, stating that the Commander in Chief has the authority to make such decisions. He reiterated that the military is under the President's purview, reinforcing the idea that the President is empowered to act on behalf of the nation.
However, there are dissenting voices among Republicans, including notable Trump allies who express discomfort with the strikes and the potential escalation of U.S. involvement in the Middle East. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky urged Johnson to reconsider the Constitution, suggesting that the Founding Fathers intended for Congress to hold a significant role in decisions regarding military engagement.
When asked if he would support the resolution from Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, that would mandate congressional approval for military action in Iran, Paul remained non-committal. While the resolution may face challenges, as it requires 60 votes to pass and Republicans hold a 53-47 majority, Kaine argues that it is vital to document the Senate's stance on the issue. He emphasized the importance of allowing the public to understand the risks involved for American military personnel in times of conflict.
Despite not seeking congressional approval, Trump did send a brief letter to congressional leaders on the Monday after the strikes were executed. In this letter, he articulated that the military action was taken to further U.S. national interests and to defend Israel by dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities.
