05.03.2026 08:10
In a closed briefing to senators, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the course of the war in the Middle East. During the approximately 80-minute meeting, the potential ground operation, ammunition stocks, and the threat posed by Iranian-made "Shahed" drones were addressed. Officials reportedly stated that these drones pose a larger problem than expected and that existing air defense systems may struggle to intercept all of them.
Critical topics were raised during the briefing of U.S. Secretary of State Rubio to senators. According to the senators' statements, the session highlighted the possibility of ground operations, the challenges faced in downing Iranian drones, and concerns regarding ammunition stocks.
The session, which took place following the U.S. and Israel's attack on Iran and Iran's retaliation, lasted approximately 80 minutes.
It was reported that officials from the U.S. administration conveyed to Congress members that Iranian-made "Shahed" type drones pose a "significant challenge" for the U.S. and that not all air defense systems may be able to intercept them.
"SHAHED DRONES ARE A BIGGER PROBLEM THAN THOUGHT" Sources speaking to CNN claimed that officials from the U.S. administration stated during a briefing to Congress members on Capitol Hill that Shahed type drones are a "significant challenge" for the U.S. and that not all air defense systems may be able to intercept them.
Sources also reported that officials indicated that these drones pose a bigger problem than previously thought.
"Shahed" type drone "IRAN HAS A LARGE STOCK" Democratic Senator Mark Kelly expressed concerns about the depletion of ammunition stocks, stating, "The Iranians have the capacity to produce numerous Shahed type drones, ballistic missiles, and medium and short-range missiles, and they have a large stock. So how will we replenish air defense munitions, and where will it come from?"
"REGIME CHANGE IN IRAN IS A SECONDARY GOAL" Another source speaking to CNN reported that officials rejected questions about how the U.S. would prevent Iran from becoming a "failed state" and stated that regime change is a "secondary" goal.
Furthermore, it was noted that during the briefing, officials did not express any opinion on who the new leader of Iran would be.
"NO CLARITY ON THE END DATE OF ATTACKS" Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville from Alabama stated that officials provided a timeline suggesting that the attacks would end within three to five weeks.
On the other hand, Republican Senator Josh Hawley pointed out that no possible end date for the attacks was mentioned, saying, "It seemed very open-ended to me."
U.S.-ISRAEL ATTACKS ON IRAN Israel and the U.S. launched a military attack on Iran on February 28 while negotiations were ongoing between Tehran and Washington.
Iran responded with attacks on targets it identified in several regional countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain, where U.S. bases are located, in addition to Israel.
In the U.S.-Israel attacks, Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and many high-ranking officials were killed.
Iran's Health Ministry spokesperson Hossein Kermanpour announced that 867 people lost their lives in the U.S.-Israel attacks.