The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of introducing armed forces into hostilities and to withdraw them within 60 days absent congressional authorization.
As of June 2026, U.S. military operations connected to the Iran conflict have entered their fourth month, according to Reuters reporting on congressional hearings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Supporters of requiring new authorization argue the Constitution grants Congress the sole power to declare war under Article I, Section 8.
Opponents of requiring new authorization argue that Article II designates the president as commander in chief and that prior AUMFs from 2001 and 2002 provide standing authority for certain counterterrorism operations.
Senate Joint Resolution votes to constrain prior presidential military actions against Iran in 2019 and 2020 passed with bipartisan majorities but were vetoed.