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May 1 Marks a Crucial “War Powers” Deadline for Trump’s War in Iran

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28.04.2026

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As a crucial legal deadline for the U.S.’s unauthorized war in Iran approaches later this week, President Donald Trump may opt to ignore it altogether — and Republican leaders in Congress may allow him to.

Trump launched the joint U.S.-Israel war in Iran almost two months ago. According to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, any military action taken by a president without congressional approval must be reported on. And so, in the first week of March, the administration submitted a written declaration of its actions to Congress.

Since that time, several War Powers Resolution votes to end the war have been submitted but subsequently failed, due to Republican lawmakers (joined by a few Democrats) blocking them.

However, the War Powers Act does not give presidents an indefinite time to continue their military ambitions. On May 1, a 60-day deadline will be met, at which point Trump must take further action if he wants the war in Iran to continue.

Per the law, hostilities must come to a close if Congress doesn’t authorize the war. Trump can request a 30-day extension, requiring him to certify, in writing, that the current campaign is the result of an “unavoidable military necessity.”

Trump Administration Covering Up “Extensive” Damage Done to US Bases by Iran

Providing proof of that “necessity” may prove difficult for the president. Notably, military........

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