US Democrats demand testimony from Trump administration on Iran war
Military conflict with Iran carries 'profound consequences for security of American people,' Democrats say
HAMILTON, Canada
US Democratic lawmakers on the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Monday demanded that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner appear before Congress to testify on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Rep. Gregory Meeks, the committee's ranking Democrat, raised concerns in a letter signed by 23 Democratic members of Congress over how the negotiations were handled and what planning preceded the use of military force, as he led all committee Democrats in the demand.
"These individuals, both drawn from the real estate industry rather than diplomatic or national security backgrounds, were placed in charge of one of the most consequential negotiations facing the United States," the letter said.
"The decisions made during this process have now resulted in an unauthorized military conflict with Iran, with profound consequences for the security of the American people, the stability of the Middle East, and global energy markets that directly affect American families," it added.
The lawmakers said Congress has "both a constitutional responsibility and a clear national interest in understanding how these negotiations were conducted, what diplomatic strategy guided them, and what planning preceded the use of military force."
They also noted that "despite repeated requests, the Administration has declined to make Mr. Witkoff or Mr. Kushner available for testimony or briefing before Congress," adding that the committee's Republican chairman has also declined to hold a public hearing on the matter.
Calling on the Trump administration to direct Witkoff and Kushner "to appear before the House Foreign Affairs Committee for a public hearing at the earliest possible opportunity," it also urged Rubio and Hegseth to appear so that "members of Congress can fulfill their oversight responsibilities, and the American people can better understand the Administration's strategy toward Iran."
Israel and the US have continued a joint offensive on Iran since Feb. 28, killing so far around 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries, which it says are targeting “US military assets.”
