US Senators Get Late Briefing on Iran Strikes, Democrats Fume Over Secrecy

White House Delays Briefing, Democrats Express Frustration

The White House has postponed the original schedule for a classified briefing on the recent strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, sparking outrage among Democrats. They accuse the administration of keeping them in the dark, especially since the president did not consult Congress before authorizing military action.

Closed-Door Briefing Led by Top Officials

The briefing, initially planned for earlier, is now taking place behind closed doors. CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are leading the session. Notably, Senator Tulsi Gabbard, who was expected to attend, has been left out. This follows her testimony that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon, which may have influenced her exclusion.

Disagreement Over Strike Effectiveness

A leaked Pentagon report suggests that the strikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by a few months, contradicting claims by President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the program was destroyed. Gabbard and Ratcliffe have attempted to support Trump's assertions, but skepticism remains. Senator Rand Paul has questioned the president's authority to launch military action without congressional approval.

White House Limits Information After Leak

The White House admitted to restricting information shared with Congress after details of a draft assessment were leaked. They claim this is to prevent sensitive information from being compromised. Trump sent a brief letter to Congress justifying the strikes as necessary to protect US interests and Israel. The administration insists they are still engaging in diplomatic efforts through their special envoy.

Senate May Vote on Resolution Requiring Congressional Approval

The Senate might vote this week on a resolution requiring congressional approval for any future military action against Iran. However, with Republicans in control, its passage is unlikely. Democrats are advocating for greater transparency, but the administration appears to be maintaining a tight grip on information.