House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is calling on President Donald Trump and his top officials to publicly explain the rationale behind recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Fox News reported.
Jeffries has raised questions about the legality of the offensive, with Democrats torn between calls for curbing Trump’s war powers and escalating demands for impeachment.
The strikes, reportedly authorized over the weekend, targeted three of Iran’s major nuclear sites. President Trump later stated on Truth Social that the locations were “completely destroyed,” prompting both political support and backlash.
During a press event, Jeffries said the administration had failed to provide any evidence that the attacks were lawful under the War Powers Act or the U.S. Constitution. That law requires Congress to be notified within 48 hours of military action and limits such engagements without approval to 60 days.
He emphasized that the administration has not demonstrated the presence of an imminent threat that would justify such offensive military action. “We’ve seen no evidence to date that an offensive strike of this nature was justified,” Jeffries said.
Jeffries urged the administration to appear before Congress and clearly explain its legal and strategic reasoning. “The whole reason… is to come up to Capitol Hill and convince the American people and their elected representatives in the House and the Senate. That hasn’t happened,” he said.
To address the situation, Jeffries outlined a two-step plan: first, brief Congressional leaders; and second, open debate on War Powers Resolutions. He specifically called for a classified session with the Gang of Eight, a top bipartisan group of intelligence and party leaders.
“Step one is for the administration to present its case,” Jeffries said. “Step two is for the War Powers Resolution… to be debated on the House floor.” He emphasized that these steps are critical before any further action is taken.
While acknowledging the calls for impeachment from within the Democratic Party, Jeffries made it clear that his current focus is on ensuring proper oversight. “This is a dangerous moment... and what’s in front of us right now is the Trump administration has a responsibility to come to Congress,” he said.
The airstrikes have caused friction within the Democratic caucus. While some pro-Israel moderates backed the action, progressive Democrats—led by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—have called for Trump’s impeachment over what they argue is an unlawful use of force.
In response to the controversy, Representatives Ro Khanna, a Democrat, and Thomas Massie, a Republican, introduced a bipartisan War Powers Resolution aimed at limiting presidential authority to strike Iran without Congressional consent.
Dozens of left-leaning Democrats co-sponsored the resolution, signaling growing concern over potential overreach by the executive branch. Jeffries indicated that any such measures deserve full debate in the House of Representatives.
On Fox News, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s handling of communications with Congressional leaders. She claimed bipartisan courtesy calls were made before the strikes were launched.
According to Leavitt, Jeffries could not be reached pre-strike but was briefed afterward. She added that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer had been informed in advance, pushing back against Democratic claims of being kept in the dark.
Leavitt also accused critics of misrepresenting the facts, saying Democrats “can’t talk about the truth of the success of that operation.” She lauded the administration and U.S. military for accomplishing what past administrations, including Democratic ones, had not.
