In brief
Lawmakers express frustration as the White House delays classified briefings about U.S. strikes in Iran, a move seen as bypassing congressional oversight, amid ongoing Middle East tensions.
On June 24, 2025, the Trump administration announced a postponement of crucial classified briefings for Congress concerning recent military strikes on Iran, igniting sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers. These briefings were expected to detail operations targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities and the subsequent Iranian retaliation against an American base in Qatar. Despite confirmed plans for closed-door discussions with key administration and intelligence officials, including national intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard and CIA chief John Ratcliffe, the meetings have been rescheduled, with the Senate briefing now set for Thursday and the House briefing for Friday. The delay is occurring as President Trump is attending the NATO summit in the Netherlands following the announcement of a cease-fire deal between Iran and Israel. Democrats are urging the administration to uphold its legal responsibilities under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which mandates informing Congress within 48 hours of military action. In a brief communication to lawmakers, Trump defended the strikes as constitutional actions intended to safeguard U.S. citizens both domestically and internationally, asserting it was in line with national security interests.
