The absence of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard during key discussions about Iran's nuclear capabilities has sparked significant interest and speculation. Gabbard, who testified in March asserting that U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Iran was not developing a nuclear weapon, will not be present for upcoming discussions. A senior official from the Trump administration, speaking anonymously, confirmed that John Ratcliffe will represent the intelligence community in her stead, stating, “The media is turning this into something it’s not.”
Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Gabbard's assessment regarding Iran's nuclear program, labeling it “wrong.” This has led to her being largely sidelined in discussions regarding the United States' involvement in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. Current and former U.S. officials, as well as individuals close to the White House, shared insights with The Washington Post, indicating that Gabbard’s role has diminished despite White House claims that she is engaged in significant work.
In response to the administration's handling of classified information, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York has called on the White House to “immediately undo” its decision to restrict information sharing. Schumer emphasized on the Senate floor, “The administration has no right to stonewall Congress on matters of national security,” asserting that lawmakers deserve to be informed about crucial developments abroad, in line with their legal rights.
The initial intelligence assessment from the U.S., reported by CNN, indicated that the airstrikes ordered by Trump against Iran’s nuclear facilities had temporarily hindered Tehran's nuclear ambitions but did not entirely dismantle them. Despite this, Trump and his administration have staunchly defended their actions, asserting that the use of B-2 bombers and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles effectively destroyed the target sites. However, Ratcliffe's recent statement suggested that the airstrikes had “severely damaged” Iran's nuclear program, hinting at a shift in the administration's narrative that might be presented to senators in upcoming discussions.
Nonpartisan military officials, including Caine, have adopted a more cautious tone regarding the assessments of the damage inflicted on Iran's nuclear facilities. Caine stated on Sunday that while initial evaluations show “extremely severe damage and destruction,” final battle-damage assessments may take time to complete. His remarks reflect a broader consensus among military analysts who acknowledge significant damage without claiming total obliteration of the facilities.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune from South Dakota echoed Ratcliffe’s assessment, affirming on “The Hugh Hewitt Show” that “there’s no doubt that Iran’s nuclear program was severely set back.” This bipartisan acknowledgment of the airstrikes’ impact underscores the complexity of the situation, as both parties navigate the geopolitical ramifications of U.S. military actions.
The Trump administration is actively working to persuade lawmakers and the American public of the mission's success. A planned event at the Pentagon on Thursday will feature Hegseth and unnamed military representatives who will hold a “Major News Conference” to advocate for the “Dignity of our Great American Pilots.” Trump’s announcement on Truth Social highlighted the emotional toll on pilots involved, although he inaccurately stated that they endured “36 hours of dangerously flying through Enemy Territory,” misrepresenting the timeline of their mission.
Democrats in Congress have expressed strong disapproval of the Trump administration’s failure to adequately brief lawmakers about Iran. Several members have pointed to the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which mandates that the president notify Congress within 48 hours of military actions and provide a classified briefing. In a memo to lawmakers, Trump justified the strikes under his constitutional authority to safeguard U.S. citizens and advance national security interests.
Initially scheduled for Tuesday, the classified briefings for Senate and House lawmakers have been postponed to Thursday and Friday, respectively, as Trump seeks to negotiate a ceasefire and accommodate travel schedules, as reported by a senior official. Meanwhile, Hegseth and Marco Rubio spent Wednesday engaging with international counterparts at The Hague, indicating the administration's ongoing diplomatic efforts amidst the evolving situation.
