This week, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer’s office announced that all 100 U.S. senators will receive a classified briefing next week on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The move comes as President Trump carefully weighs whether to involve the U.S. in military action, with a final decision expected within two weeks.
In a statement, Schumer said he requested the briefing to ensure senators have accurate, real-time intelligence amid fast-moving developments. He emphasized the importance of understanding both Israel’s recent military gains and Iran’s ongoing nuclear ambitions. “Things are changing on the ground all the time,” Schumer noted, citing Israel’s progress in dismantling Iran’s proxies.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the 100-member briefing will take place next week and reiterated that President Trump will decide on U.S. involvement “within the next two weeks,” pending the possibility of diplomatic engagement with Iran.
Since Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military installations began last Thursday, tensions have surged. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed Iran has breached non-proliferation rules for the first time in two decades, even as U.S. intelligence indicates Iran is not currently building a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, Iran has retaliated with missile strikes, threatening broader conflict.
President Trump faces a strategic choice. On one hand, Israel is demanding additional U.S. support, including possible strikes on heavily fortified facilities like Fordow. On the other hand, the U.S. will give diplomacy a brief window to work. Leavitt emphasized that Trump remains open to negotiations, even as military options remain “on the table”.
