Congress passes resolution limiting Trump's military options in Iran

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution on Tuesday night aimed at restricting President Donald Trump's authority to launch military action against Iran without legislative approval. The measure, which passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support, represents a significant assertion of congressional power over the use of force.

The resolution, introduced under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, requires the President to obtain explicit authorization from Congress before engaging in hostilities with Iran. It mandates that any military deployment or strike must be reported to Congress within 48 hours and prohibits the use of funds for such operations unless approved by a joint resolution.

President Trump has faced growing pressure from lawmakers across the political spectrum to clarify his administration's stance on potential military escalation in the Middle East. Tensions have risen following recent reports of increased Iranian military activity in the region, prompting concerns among U.S. allies and domestic policymakers.

"This is about ensuring that the decision to go to war rests with the people's representatives, not the President alone," said House Speaker Mike Johnson, who championed the resolution. "We must uphold the Constitution's separation of powers and prevent unilateral military action."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell echoed the sentiment, stating that the resolution sends a clear message to the administration that any military engagement in Iran must have congressional backing. "We are not seeking to tie the President's hands, but to ensure that such a grave decision is made with full deliberation and accountability," McConnell said.

The White House has not yet issued an official response to the resolution's passage. However, senior administration officials have indicated that the President retains broad constitutional authority as Commander-in-Chief to protect U.S. interests abroad. Legal experts note that the resolution's enforceability may be subject to judicial review, particularly if the President challenges its constitutionality.

The resolution's passage comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Iran has been accused of supporting proxy groups in the region, leading to increased U.S. military presence in the Persian Gulf. The resolution does not preclude defensive actions or responses to imminent threats, but it restricts offensive operations without congressional approval.

Lawmakers from both parties emphasized that the resolution is not a vote against military action, but rather a procedural safeguard. "We are not saying no to defense, we are saying yes to democracy," said Representative Nancy Pelosi, who voted in favor of the measure.

The resolution now moves to the President for signature. If vetoed, Congress would need a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override the veto. Legal analysts suggest that the resolution could set a precedent for future congressional actions regarding the use of military force.

As of Tuesday evening, the White House had not indicated whether President Trump would sign or veto the resolution. The outcome remains uncertain, with lawmakers preparing for potential legal and political challenges ahead.