The statement that caused controversy in the US Congress. Marco Rubio: “We knew that if we didn't hit them preemptively, we would suffer bigger losses”
US airstrikes on Iran were launched preemptively following reports that Israel was planning to strike Iranian targets, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a closed-door meeting with members of Congress.
Donald Trump and Marco Rubio photo: AFP
US officials explained that the purpose of the intervention was to prevent Iranian retaliation against US troops and reduce casualties.
“It was clear that if Iran was attacked by anyone – the United States or Israel or anyone else – they would retaliate and retaliate against the United States,” Rubio said. “I knew there was going to be an Israeli action. We knew this would provoke an attack on American forces, and we know that if we don't pre-emptively strike them before they launch those attacks, we will suffer greater casualties.” added Rubio, according to the Guardian.
Rubio emphasized that the targets of the attacks were precise. “Our primary goal was to destroy Iran's ballistic and naval capabilities to ensure that there were no immediate threats to the United States and our allies in the region.” said the US Secretary of State.
Vice President JD Vance, one of the administration's most cautious members of the military, added: “The president wants to make it clear to Iranians and the world that he will not stop until he achieves the essential goal of ensuring that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
The administration's decision sparked strong reactions in Congress: “It's a war of choice”
Republicans argued that the attacks were defensive and necessary. Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives and a Trump ally, said: “Israel was determined to act in their own defense here, with or without American support. Because Israel was facing what it sees as an existential threat.”
On the other hand, Democrats criticized the lack of imminent danger to the US and accused the administration of circumventing the role of Congress in the war decision. Senator Chuck Schumer said:
“This is an action by President Trump. It's a war of choice. He has no strategy, no final plan. Briefing officials raised more questions than it answered.”, he said.
Mark Warner, the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, warned of the risks.
“There has been no imminent threat to the United States from the Iranians. There is a threat to Israel. If we equate a threat to Israel with an imminent threat to the United States, then we are entering uncharted territory” said Mark Warner.
Since the beginning of the conflict, the United States and Israel have carried out airstrikes in Iran, and Tehran has responded with drones and missiles against US-aligned countries in the Middle East.
Several high-ranking Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, lost their lives in these attacks, and the Iranian Red Cross Society reported more than 500 casualties. The US military has confirmed the deaths of six service members.
The White House and Congress are set to debate this week the war powers resolution, which, if passed, could force the president to end hostilities. Still, passing that resolution looks difficult because Republicans control both chambers and rarely challenge Trump in significant numbers.
