Lawmakers Split After Gang Of Eight Briefed On U.S.-Israel Strikes In Iran

The high-level group of lawmakers received a detailed briefing prior to the joint military action.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:39am

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The 'Gang of Eight' group of congressional leaders and intelligence committee chairs were briefed earlier this week by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on potential U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran. While some lawmakers, like Senator Tom Cotton, expressed support for the operation, others such as Representative Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Mark Warner criticized the administration for failing to seek formal congressional authorization.

Why it matters

The military strikes against Iran have sparked a partisan divide in Congress, with Democrats arguing the White House must seek formal approval for an act of war, while Republicans like Cotton defend the administration's actions. This highlights ongoing tensions between the executive and legislative branches over the use of military force.

The details

According to House Speaker Mike Johnson, the 'Gang of Eight' - which includes top congressional leaders and intelligence committee chairs - were briefed in detail this week that 'military action may become necessary to protect American citizens in Iran.' While some lawmakers like Senator Cotton backed the strikes, citing Iran's history of aggression, others such as Representative Jeffries and Senator Warner criticized the lack of formal congressional authorization.

  • The 'Gang of Eight' was briefed earlier this week on the potential military strikes.
  • The joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran occurred on February 28, 2026.

The players

Mike Johnson

The Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Marco Rubio

The U.S. Secretary of State who provided the briefing to the 'Gang of Eight' on the potential military strikes against Iran.

John Thune

The Republican Senate Majority Leader and member of the 'Gang of Eight'.

Chuck Schumer

The Democratic Senate Minority Leader and member of the 'Gang of Eight'.

Hakeem Jeffries

The Democratic House Minority Leader and member of the 'Gang of Eight'.

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What they’re saying

“We must seek authorization for the preemptive use of military force that constitutes as an act of war.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader

“Iran has waged war against the U.S. for 47 years. The butcher's bill has finally come due for the ayatollahs.”

— Tom Cotton, Senator

“The administration must provide a clear legal justification for the strikes.”

— Mark Warner, Senator

What’s next

The administration has not issued a formal declaration of war, and it remains to be seen if Congress will vote on authorizing the military action against Iran.

The takeaway

The U.S.-Israel strikes against Iran have exposed a partisan divide in Congress, with Democrats arguing the White House must seek formal approval, while Republicans defend the administration's actions. This highlights the ongoing tensions between the executive and legislative branches over the use of military force.