A group of Democratic senators in the United States Senate has called for immediate public hearings on the ongoing war with Iran, urging top officials from the administration of Donald Trump to testify under oath.
Six Democratic lawmakers announced on Monday that they are intensifying efforts to ensure Congress publicly examines the conflict, warning they could disrupt regular Senate proceedings if their demands are ignored.
Speaking to reporters, Cory Booker, a senator from New Jersey, said senior Democrats on key committees had formally requested hearings from Republican committee chairmen James Risch and Roger Wicker.
The hearings would involve testimony from major administration figures, including U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State and acting National Security Adviser Marco Rubio.
Democrats argue that while lawmakers have received classified briefings about the conflict, the American public deserves clear explanations regarding the objectives of the war, how long it could last and the risks involved.
“The public needs to hear directly from the administration,” said Chris Murphy, a Democratic senator from Connecticut, who suggested the hearings should take place as early as next week.
Booker described the Iran conflict as the largest U.S. military engagement since the War in Afghanistan, warning that Congress should not allow government business to continue normally while the war intensifies.
“We are not going to let the Senate continue as business as usual,” he said, adding that senators have significant procedural powers that could be used to slow or disrupt legislative activity if necessary.
Republicans currently control the Senate with a 53–47 majority, giving them authority over the chamber’s legislative agenda.
Both the Senate and the United States House of Representatives have so far rejected Democratic attempts to force debate and votes on the War Powers Act, which would require congressional authorization for U.S. military action against Iran.
Meanwhile, public opinion in the United States appears divided over the conflict.
A Reuters and Ipsos poll released on Monday found that only 29 percent of Americans approve of the military action, while 60 percent expect the war to continue for a prolonged period and potentially push gasoline prices higher.
Democratic lawmakers say congressional oversight is essential as the conflict expands and American troops face increasing risks in the region.
