Secret Iran consultations: Who Rubio alerted before strikes
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (photo: Getty Images)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a series of consultations with key congressional lawmakers ahead of the strikes on Iran, CBS News and CNN report.
Read also: US and Israel hit Iran hard: Is this a war to destroy the regime?
Warning for "Gang of Eight"
According to media reports, Rubio contacted part of the "Gang of Eight" leadership to warn them about the start of the operation.
In particular, conversations were confirmed with House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Vice Chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence Mark Warner.
At the same time, lawmakers noted that the administration did not provide a comprehensive explanation of the legal grounds for the attack.
"Secretary of State Marco Rubio notified at least some members of the 'Gang of Eight' in advance of the strikes in Iran—but they were not given a full accounting of the legal justification," CNN sources said.
Calls for transparency
Earlier this week, Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe held a closed-door briefing for congressional leaders.
During the meeting, some lawmakers insisted that the White House should openly explain the reasons for such actions.
"The administration should make the case publicly for strikes," journalists quoted several members of Congress.
Gang of Eight composition
The "Gang of Eight" is a select group of top US lawmakers that includes the leaders of both parties in the House and Senate, as well as the chairs and ranking members of the intelligence committees.
The authorities are required to inform this group about the most sensitive military and intelligence activities.
US attacks Iran
The United States, together with its allies, launched a large-scale military operation against targets in Iran.
In addition, Israel struck Iran with US support as part of a coordinated response to Tehran's actions.
Sources also reported that among the targets of the strikes in Iran were Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and key military facilities.
Amid the escalating situation in the region, neighboring states expressed concern. In particular, Saudi Arabia warned Iran of serious consequences in the case of further destabilization in the Middle East.
