BREAKING NEWS: Congress ban Trump from further military actions against Iran without congressional authorization but Trump’s Response is what no one expected

Washington, D.C. — March 2, 2026 — In the wake of President Donald Trump’s unilateral launch of major U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran over the weekend, bipartisan lawmakers are moving swiftly to reassert congressional authority over future operations.

Key members of Congress, led by Democrats and joined by a handful of Republicans including Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), are preparing to force votes on War Powers Resolutions in both the House and Senate as early as next week. The measures would require explicit congressional approval for any continued or expanded U.S. military hostilities against Iran, directing the president to cease unauthorized actions unless Congress declares war or passes a specific authorization for use of military force.

The push follows Trump’s February 28 announcement of “major combat operations” targeting Iranian leadership and facilities, including the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, conducted without prior congressional authorization. Critics, including House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), have called the strikes “illegal” and “unconstitutional,” arguing they violate Article I of the Constitution, which reserves the power to declare war for Congress.

While most Republicans have praised the action as necessary to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional threats, dissenting voices within the GOP and unified Democratic opposition warn of risks of escalation into a prolonged conflict. Resolutions co-sponsored by Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Massie, along with Senate versions, aim to invoke the 1973 War Powers Resolution to limit presidential unilateral action beyond initial defensive responses.

Congressional leaders have demanded an immediate return to session for debate, framing the votes as a critical test of legislative war powers after decades of executive overreach. The outcome remains uncertain in a Republican-controlled Congress, but the effort underscores deep divisions over Trump’s approach to Iran and the balance of power between branches.

The White House has not yet commented on the pending resolutions, as U.S. forces remain engaged in the region amid Iranian retaliation threats.