White House Postpones Briefings on Iran Strikes, Sparking Democratic Outcry

Congressional Democrats have expressed outrage after the Trump administration postponed classified briefings regarding recent U.S. military strikes against Iran. The administration's delay comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, leading to calls for accountability under the War Powers Resolution.

The Trump administration has deferred plans for classified briefings with Congress about the recently executed U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which has ignited significant backlash from Democratic lawmakers. This decision, announced on June 24, 2025, has left many in Congress feeling sidelined as key details of the military operation remain undisclosed.

Senate and House members were prepared for closed-door sessions on the strikes against three Iranian sites, initiated over the weekend, as well as the Iranian retaliation targeting a U.S. military base in Qatar. Scheduled briefings were set to include prominent officials such as Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence; John Ratcliffe, the C.I.A. director; and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. However, the Senate briefing has now been postponed to a later date, with the House session pushed to Friday.

Tensions in the Middle East remain elevated despite a newly brokered cease-fire announcement between Iran and Israel by President Trump earlier in the day. The administration’s handling of these military actions has been met with inquiry regarding its compliance with the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which mandates the President inform Congress within 48 hours of taking military actions and provide a classified briefing soon after.

In a memo sent to lawmakers on Monday, Trump claimed that the military engagements were conducted under his constitutional powers aimed at protecting U.S. citizens domestically and internationally, as well as upholding the country's national security interests. As Congress awaits the rescheduled briefings, the outrage from Democrats signals an ongoing struggle over the balance of military authority and legislative oversight.