The Democrat members of the US Senate have expressed severe concern over the ongoing war with Iran, demanding accountability from the Trump administration through public hearings. According to Arab media, the members of the US Senate have stated that the White House has yet to clarify why the US is involved in the war, its objectives, and how long it will last. Following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Patrick Hagerty, provided multiple closed-door briefings to Congress. As these sessions were held in secret, lawmakers were unable to disclose detailed information to the public.
A recent survey suggests that a significant number of Americans oppose the military operation. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut stated that the government’s strategy is “vague and unrelated” after the briefing, adding that if President Donald Trump were to seek congressional approval for the war, he would not have the support of lawmakers. Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed concerns that the war lacks a clear “exit strategy” and that Trump’s statements on the matter are contradictory. Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the war’s expenditure, saying that while millions of Americans lack access to healthcare, billions of dollars are being spent daily on bombing Iran.
Several lawmakers are also concerned that the US may deploy ground troops to Iran. The situation for press freedom in the American region has worsened, with the US ranking lowest in recent reports. The Republican Party, which holds a 53-47 majority in the Senate, has generally supported Trump’s actions, arguing that the objective of the strikes is to limit Iran’s missile program and its influence in the region. However, some Republican senators have expressed concerns. Senator Rand Paul stated that the government is presenting new reasons for war daily, adding that “war should be the last resort, not the first.”
The ongoing war between the US and Iran has revived the debate over presidential war powers in the US. According to the US Constitution, Congress has the authority to declare war; however, presidents have often initiated limited military operations under the pretext of national security. If Congress does not approve the war, the action could become a constitutional and legal dispute.
The US Central Command has warned citizens that the Iranian government is using non-military ports near the Strait of Hormuz for military operations, posing a threat to international shipping. President Trump has stated that he will end the war when he wants, adding that the war is going “very well” and its results are better than expected.
