White House Defends Evacuation Efforts Amid Iran Strikes

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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday defended the administration's efforts to evacuate Americans from the Middle East, following announcements from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Dan Caine that the U.S. plans 'more and larger' strikes on Iran. Leavitt said those stranded had prior warning not to travel to the region, while Hegseth criticized media coverage of U.S. service member deaths. The Senate is set to vote on a war powers resolution tied to the Iran strikes.

Why it matters

The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran have escalated, with the White House facing pressure to justify its military actions and evacuation efforts in the region. The political fallout could impact the administration's foreign policy agenda and relations with Congress.

The details

Leavitt defended the administration's evacuation efforts, saying Americans in the Middle East had prior warning not to travel to the region. Hegseth and Caine announced plans for 'more and larger' strikes on Iran, with Hegseth criticizing media coverage of U.S. service member deaths. The Senate is set to vote on a war powers resolution tied to the Iran strikes.

• On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration's evacuation efforts.
• Earlier on Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Dan Caine announced plans for 'more and larger' strikes on Iran.
• The Senate is set to vote on a war powers resolution tied to the Iran strikes later on Wednesday.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Senate is set to vote on a war powers resolution tied to the Iran strikes later on Wednesday.