Recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have highlighted what Secretary of State Marco Rubio described as a major turning point in global affairs. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Rubio said the international system he once knew “is gone,” urging U.S. allies to recognize the shift and collaborate with Washington to navigate a new geopolitical era. “The world is changing very quickly before our eyes,” he said, stressing that countries must reassess their roles and responsibilities. He noted that the United States has already engaged in numerous private discussions with allies and plans to continue close coordination in the days ahead.
Amid the developments, questions have emerged about presidential authority and congressional oversight. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Rubio had briefed senior congressional leaders—known as the “Gang of Eight”—prior to the joint military operation. She added that President Donald Trump monitored the situation overnight from Mar-a-Lago with his national security team and spoke directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed that congressional leadership had been informed earlier in the week, saying the Gang of Eight received detailed briefings on potential military action. While U.S. law requires Congress to be kept informed of significant intelligence activities, administrations from both parties have often interpreted this requirement as applying to this select group.
Meanwhile, lawmakers including Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna are pushing for limits on unilateral military action, underscoring ongoing debates over executive power.
