US Lawmakers Slam Trump For 'Unilateral' Strike On Iran Without Congressional Approval
U.S. President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation accompanied by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. June 21, 2025, following U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/Pool
U.S. President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation accompanied by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. June 21, 2025, following U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/Pool
WASHINGTON, June 22 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The United States (US) lawmakers blasted President Donald Trump's "unilateral" action Saturday to strike Iran without seeking congressional authorisation, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Trump 'failed to seek congressional authorisation for the use of military force and risks American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East."
His statement came after Trump said American forces completed "very successful" airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, Fordo, Natanz and Esfahan, amid fears of a wider conflagration in the region.
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Jeffries said Trump promised to bring peace to the Middle East, but he "has failed to deliver on that promise."
"Congress must be fully and immediately briefed in a classified setting," he said, adding that Trump shoulders "complete and total" responsibility for any adverse consequences that flow from "his unilateral military action."
Sen. Ed Markey said the attack was "illegal and unconstitutional."
"This attack was not approved by Congress and holds dangers for all Americans. The American people do not want another endless war in the Middle East," Markey said, adding a diplomatic solution remains "the best way" to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
"Trump's illegal action raises the risk of escalation into a wider regional war with grave risks for U.S. troops and personnel and civilians in the region," he said, urging Trump to begin ceasefire talks with Iran and Israel.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal said the authority to declare war belongs "solely" to Congress.
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