The Digester

Rubio says US struck Iran pre-emptively after Israel planned attack

Mar 3rd 2026

Senator Marco Rubio told lawmakers the Trump administration launched pre-emptive strikes to prevent Iran from targeting US forces after an anticipated Israeli attack, a rationale that left Congress divided and focused on war powers and strategy.

  • Rubio told reporters the administration struck to pre-empt expected Iranian retaliation against US forces if Israel attacked Iran.
  • Lawmakers received a closed-door briefing from administration and intelligence officials as Congress prepares a war powers resolution to end hostilities.
  • The White House ordered the strikes without prior full Congressional approval but notified the Gang of Eight beforehand, officials said.
  • The air campaign has involved US and Israeli strikes across Iran and Iranian drone and missile retaliations across the region.
  • The US military has acknowledged six American service members killed while the Iranian Red Crescent reported more than 500 deaths in Iran.
  • Reactions split along party lines, with Republicans defending the action and Democrats calling the explanation insufficient and warning there is no clear endgame.

Sources

theguardian.com