House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi has criticized President Donald Trump’s recent military strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, calling the action “unconstitutional” due to the lack of congressional approval. Her remarks sparked controversy, as she had previously supported a similar unilateral strike by President Barack Obama in Libya in 2011. Pelosi warned that Trump’s decision risked dangerous escalation in the Middle East, stating, “The president ignored the Constitution by unilaterally engaging our military without Congressional authorization.” President Trump, in a national address, declared the operation a “spectacular military success” and emphasized that the U.S. is not at war with Iran. He stated the strikes were aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities, naming Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan as the targets, with Fordow hit by a full payload of bombs despite being buried deep within a mountain.

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also condemned the strike, accusing Trump of misleading the public and bypassing legal protocol. The White House responded that top congressional leaders had been notified ahead of time, though Jeffries allegedly missed the initial call and was later briefed. Trump defended the timing, citing a 60-day warning he had issued to Iran demanding they halt their nuclear program. He linked the action to years of Iranian hostility, stating, “I would not let this happen. It will not continue.” Meanwhile, reports from within Iran claim Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is in hiding and facing mounting pressure, with officials suggesting his hold on power is weakening following the devastating strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.