The Trump administration defended a precision strike on Iranian nuclear sites called “Operation Midnight Hammer,” which involved the largest B-2 bomber strike in U.S. history. The strike targeted the Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites in Iran with five precision guided weapons. Administration officials emphasized that the attack was a limited engagement to disrupt Iran’s nuclear capabilities, not a broader military involvement.

While some officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President Vance framed the strike as necessary to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, others, like Rep. Thomas Massie, criticized the lack of Congressional approval. Massie co-authored a bipartisan resolution to prevent unauthorized hostilities with Iran and argued that there was no imminent threat to justify the strikes without Congressional debate.

House Speaker Mike Johnson supported Trump’s decision, stating that the imminent danger justified the president’s actions. However, Democrats like Sen. Tim Kaine and Sen. Mark Kelly raised concerns about the escalation of risks for American troops in the region and emphasized the need for Congressional involvement in decisions of military engagement.

Overall, the strike on Iranian nuclear sites has sparked debates over the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches, highlighting ongoing tensions over presidential authority in matters of war and national security. Trump’s actions underscore his efforts to assert executive power and shape policy decisions without full Congressional oversight.