Senior Democrats expressed frustration at being kept in the dark about the US’s operation Midnight Hammer, a coordinated strike on Iran’s nuclear enrichment program. Reports revealed that top Democrats such as Mark Warner and Jim Himes were not briefed before the attack, while Republican counterparts reportedly received advance notice. The operation involved significant military assets, including aircraft and missiles. The lack of forewarning to lawmakers on intelligence committees raised concerns, as typically, top lawmakers are informed of military operations in advance.

The US attack on Iran occurred while most Democrats were away for the Juneteenth holiday, highlighting the apparent lack of communication with key decision-makers. Prominent Democrats voiced mixed reactions to the strike, with some emphasizing the setback to Iran’s nuclear program while others criticized the lack of constitutional process and the potential for escalating conflict. The engagement of US forces in support of Israel also sparked tensions within the Democratic party.

Calls for congressional involvement in military actions and concerns about the constitutionality of the strike were raised by Democratic lawmakers. Some Democrats, including Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, called for legislative measures to prevent further military escalation without proper authorization. The differing responses from Democratic leaders reflected ongoing debates within the party regarding foreign policy and military intervention. Overall, the operation’s secrecy and implications for US foreign policy created divisions and raised questions about congressional oversight and presidential authority.