WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump’s decision to launch a military strike on Iran’s nuclear sites without fully consulting the US Congress layered a partisan approach onto a risky action, particularly because the White House briefed top Republican leaders beforehand while leaving Democrats with little information. While House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Republican leader John Thune and the GOP chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee all were briefed before the action, their counterparts were not.

Many politicians raised constitutional concerns about Trump’s acting without approval by Congress. But some GOP leaders offered support for his move.

Trump and his team were in contact with top congressional Republicans before the strikes, but top Democrats were not told of his plans until after the bombs had dropped.