WASHINGTON D.C June 9, 2026 — House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) revealed Tuesday that he joined President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and top national security officials in the White House Situation Room prior to U.S. military strikes against Iranian targets.
The operation, described by Johnson as “proportional and limited,” involved targeting Iranian radar, missile, and command-and-control sites. It came in response to what the administration called “unjustified Iranian aggression,” including the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter.
Speaking to reporters, Johnson stated: “There is a defensive strike that has been taken and it’s proportional and limited… against unjustified Iranian aggression.” He added that Iranian forces had struck U.S. assets, leaving the U.S. with no choice but to respond. “We lament that [this] has become necessary,” he said.
Johnson confirmed he was notified in advance and was present with key figures including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, along with the president.
The strikes mark the latest flare-up in a volatile period of U.S.-Iran relations. Earlier in 2025 and 2026, the U.S. and Israel conducted major operations against Iranian nuclear facilities, contributing to a fragile ceasefire that reportedly lasted less than 36 hours before recent exchanges resumed.
This action follows ongoing debates in Congress over war powers, with lawmakers having passed resolutions attempting to limit military involvement in the broader conflict. Johnson has previously defended the administration’s approach as consistent with precedent and necessary for national security.
The Trump administration has framed the response as defensive and targeted to avoid broader escalation, while emphasizing efforts toward a potential diplomatic resolution, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz for global commerce. Critics, however, question the sustainability of “limited” strikes amid repeated cycles of retaliation.
No immediate details on damage assessments or Iranian casualties were released. Pentagon and White House officials are expected to provide further briefings as the situation develops.
This story is ongoing.
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