Jeffries challenges Trump over Iran strikes, urges focus on domestic priorities

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump is facing mounting criticism over Washington’s recent military action against Iran, as senior lawmakers question the basis and legality of the operation.

U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the administration has yet to provide proof that Iran posed an imminent danger that required military intervention. His remarks have intensified debate in Congress about both the constitutional authority for the strikes and the broader strategy behind them.

During a television interview before attending a classified congressional briefing, Jeffries stated that he would continue to review intelligence to determine whether the action was warranted. According to CNN, he expressed concern that lawmakers had not been shown evidence to support the decision.

“I will continue to look for information … to suggest that there was intelligence indicating that Iran was prepared to strike the United States. Nothing has been presented to justify what’s taking place up until this point,” Jeffries was quoted as saying.

He maintained that many Americans expect their leaders to address economic pressures at home instead of committing the country to another prolonged conflict abroad.

“Americans want the government to focus on making their life better, making their life more affordable, not getting involved in another endless war in the Middle East that is going to end in failure,” he added.

Jeffries also raised questions about the President’s authority to launch extensive military operations without prior approval from Congress. He pointed to Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which assigns the power to declare war to the legislative branch.

Reports indicate that lawmakers are seeking a vote on a war powers resolution in response to the strikes. Concerns have grown in Washington following briefings that reportedly did not show Iran was preparing an immediate attack before the joint U.S.-Israeli operation. The situation has drawn criticism from members of both major parties, who are asking for clarity on the objectives and long-term plan.

International reaction has also intensified. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) condemned the bombing of a girls’ primary school in southern Iran. The agency described the attack as a serious breach of international humanitarian law.

According to CNN, missiles struck a school in Minab during ongoing military operations. About 150 people were killed. Many of them were believed to be students. Nearly 100 others sustained injuries.

“The killing of pupils in a place dedicated to learning constitutes a grave violation of the protection afforded to schools under international humanitarian law,” UNESCO said, according to CNN.

The organisation warned that assaults on schools place students at grave risk and weaken the right to education. The incident ranks among the deadliest civilian casualties reported since tensions escalated.

While the strike occurred within the context of wider military action against Iranian targets, investigations into responsibility are still underway.

Humanitarian groups have renewed appeals for the protection of civilians and public infrastructure. Save the Children stressed that children often suffer most during armed conflicts.

“Every war is a war on children, and the world cannot stand by and watch children be killed or injured,” said Inger Ashing, the organisation’s chief executive, in a statement.

As tensions rise across the Middle East, lawmakers, diplomats and international bodies have warned that the crisis could spread across the region. In Washington, debate continues over the legality, purpose and human cost of the military campaign.