Lawmakers from both parties in Washington expressed uncertainty Sunday regarding a U.S. strategy for Iran following joint US-Israeli strikes that eliminated much of the country's leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Republicans largely voiced optimism, while Democrats remained skeptical about a favorable outcome. Senator Tom Cotton noted the lack of a simple answer for what comes next and opposed deploying U.S. ground forces. Senator Lindsey Graham echoed President Trump's call for the Iranian people to choose their own leaders, stating, "We're going to free the people up from a terrorist regime."
Khamenei's death initiates a process for a new supreme leader to be selected. Senator Chris Coons questioned the efficacy of achieving regime change solely through air strikes, citing no modern historical precedent. A CIA assessment indicated hardline figures from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could replace Khamenei. Senator Chris Murphy criticized the administration's lack of a plan for the unfolding chaos, predicting potentially worse Iranian leadership.
The strikes have impacted global sectors including shipping, air travel, and oil, with warnings of rising energy costs. Three U.S. service members were killed and five wounded. President Trump justified the attack by referencing the threat of Iran's nuclear program.
Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Mark Warner, deemed the attack illegal without Congressional declaration of war and labeled it a "war of choice." Representative Ro Khanna raised concerns about potential civil war in Iran and the cost of U.S. involvement, aiming to block further military action without congressional approval. Lawmakers expressed a desire to avoid a prolonged conflict similar to the Iraq War.