Shock rippled through Capitol Hill on Tuesday after lawmakers attended a secret briefing on Trump’s war in Iran. The details, they say, are far worse than anyone expected.
“It is so much worse than you thought. You are right to be worried. Trump Administration has no plan in Iran. This illegal war is based on lies and it was launched without any imminent threat to our nation,” Senator Elizabeth Warren said in a video posted to X.
“Donald Trump still hasn’t given a single clear reason for this war, and he seems to have no plan for how to end it either,” she added.
“Like a lot of you, I am really angry. I am angry at what Donald Trump is doing, and I feel grief for those already killed in this unnecessary conflict. And I will keep doing everything I can to fight to end this war.”
I just left a classified briefing with the Trump Administration about the war in Iran.
I was worried before, but I’m more worried now. pic.twitter.com/HoSWLVWrR8
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 3, 2026
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The White House says the strikes were necessary because of an “imminent threat” from Iran.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed Iran’s leaders would strike American assets if Israel were attacked. “The imminent threat was that we knew that if Iran was attacked, and we believed they would be attacked, that they would immediately come after us,” he said Monday.
Some Republicans urged caution and preparation. Rep. Tim Burchett said, “I would say stay concerned. I mean, be concerned. Be vigilant. Hold our feet to the fire. Keep us honest on that issue.”
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“I would say stay concerned… be vigilant.”
“Hold our feet to the fire! Keep us HONEST on that issue.” pic.twitter.com/hEYPBtbaut
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 3, 2026
Ohio Rep. Warren Davidson pointed to Americans’ right to be skeptical, citing the country’s history with “endless wars.” He noted, “The U.S. is in a de facto state of war with Iran right now.”
Other Republicans sought to downplay the conflict. Sen. Markwayne Mullin said, “This isn’t a war. We haven’t declared war. The late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared war on us. We are not at war with the Iranian people.”
Senator Chris Van Hollen called the briefing “complete incoherence,” pointing to “constantly shifting narratives” meant to justify the strikes.
Senator Ed Markey warned, “Trump is completely out of control, and Americans have already lost their lives because of his lies. The war in Iran must end now.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed fear about the future. “I am more fearful than ever after this briefing that we may be putting boots on the ground and that troops from the United States may be necessary to accomplish objectives that the administration seems to have. But I also am no more clear on what the priorities are going to be in the administration going forward.”
Featured image via X screengrab
