By Mona Austin
(TSN): Three days after President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes against Iran in a joint effort with Israel, Americans are still asking one question: why? In a closed‑door briefing with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee top officials, Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth and Sec. Of State Marco Rubio offered insight on Tuesday. Hegseth told lawmakers Iran's long-term hostility and the development of missiles and drones, were the cause rather than an imminent nuclear threat which is technically required by law to declare war.
At the White House the president claimed he believed Iran was about to strike the United States first, and that he acted to prevent a larger attack. Lawmakers from both parties, however, are pushing back, noting that he ordered military action without prior congressional approval.
Rubio defended the strike as a necessary show of strength, commendung Trump's "decisive leadership" and arguing that “hesitation invites aggression.” Critics in Congress warn that bypassing their authority could come with a price: they may move to restrict or even block funding for Operation Epic Fury when the Senate votes later this week. Democrat John Fetterman supports the preaident's sction and said if Iran had the means to retaliate they would have done it by now. The U.S. casualty count, according to Central Command, has now risen to six.