U.S. officials have reportedly told Congress in private briefings that there was no clear evidence Iran planned to attack American forces first. The disclosure has raised fresh questions about the reasons behind the joint Israel-US strikes. Lawmakers from both parties were briefed on the situation during a closed-door session.

Earlier public statements had suggested that President Donald Trump acted partly due to fears of a possible preemptive strike by Iran. However, sources familiar with the briefing said intelligence did not show Tehran was preparing an immediate attack on U.S. troops. Officials still described Iran’s missile systems and regional allies as serious threats.

Trump has maintained that the campaign aims to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons and limit its missile program. He has also called on Iranians to challenge their government. Critics, especially Democrats, argue that the administration ended diplomatic efforts too quickly and launched a war without firm proof of an imminent danger.

The strikes have led to heavy losses and major damage to Iranian targets, while the U.S. military has confirmed its first casualties. As tensions rise, debate continues in Washington over whether the operation was necessary and how long the conflict might last.