Global concerns are mounting over the possibility of renewed or intensified US military action against Iran from May 1, as questions emerge regarding President Donald Trump’s authority to continue operations without Congressional approval. The development has drawn attention to the US War Powers Resolution and its 60-day limitation on unilateral military engagements.
The United States reportedly began military operations against Iran on February 28, with formal notification to Congress submitted on March 2. Under the War Powers Resolution, the administration is required to seek Congressional approval within 60 days of initiating military action, placing the critical deadline around May 1–2.
Enacted in 1973, the War Powers Resolution was designed to limit the President’s ability to engage in prolonged military conflict without legislative consent and to reinforce the role of Congress in decisions of war and peace. The law requires either explicit approval or withdrawal of forces once the 60-day window expires if authorization is not granted.
For continued military operations, approval from both the US House of Representatives and Senate is required through a simple majority. However, reports indicate that the Trump administration has not yet secured formal approval, with at least 10 lawmakers from his own party reportedly opposing the move, complicating efforts to build a majority.
Historically, several US presidents, including Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump himself, have been accused of bypassing or loosely interpreting the War Powers Act on grounds of national security. Analysts suggest that even without Congressional backing, the administration could attempt to justify continued action under emergency powers, raising the possibility of a constitutional standoff between the executive and legislative branches after the May 1 deadline.