WASHINGTON, D.C. – Days after the US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Senators have finally been briefed by the administration on the strike. Members on both sides are in agreement: a nuclear Iran is dangerous for the world, but some of them believe even after this strike, the problem with Iran is still not over.
The classified briefing took place days after the strike. Many Democrats on the Hill are furious the administration didn’t give them the customary congressional heads up ahead of these strikes.
Ahead of the briefing, reports from intelligence leaks state that the strikes did not ‘obliterate’ Iran’s nuclear facilities as the President has maintained, but rather, set back their program for months. The White House said they are looking for the leak and that person should be held accountable.
Senator Chuck Schumer (D- NY) aired his concerns that the administration might cherry pick information they’re sharing with congressional members. Following the briefing, he didn’t sound convinced his questions about the President’s claims they “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program were answered.
“What was clear was there was no coherent strategy, no endgame, no plan, no specific or detailed plan on how iran does not contain a weapon,” said Sen. Schumer.
Senator Lindsay Graham (R- SC) stated that he doesn’t want the public to believe “this is over”. He described it as a major setback for Iran and the country’s nuclear ambitions have been delayed. He added, “it’s not over until the regime decides to change their attitude and their behavior.”
We also heard from Senator Dave McCormick (R- PA), who sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He said what he saw from the briefing was that the President ordered a surgical strike on those nuclear sites after Iran refused to work through peaceful negotiations.
“That operation seems to be extremely successful,” said Sen. McCormick. “We’ll know more in the coming days as the intelligence assessment comes out but a huge setback on the nuclear program and the President said very clearly he’s not seeking a regime change. He wants Iran to come back to the negotiating table.”
The Senator also adds he believes this strike could lead to a pathway to peace in the Middle East.
