Did Trump Need Congressional Approval to Attack Iran?
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Saturday marked a dark moment for Iran, as the United States and Israel launched attacks. Despite reports on Friday suggesting that the US and Iran would continue negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, with Vienna, Austria selected for further nuclear discussions, the assault proceeded.
The operation was designated “Epic Fury” in the United States and “Lion’s Roar” by Israel.
The attack reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials. US President Donald Trump called for regime change in Iran during the operation.
However, the casualties extended beyond government figures. According to the Red Crescent, more than 200 people died across Iran and over 700 were injured on Saturday. At least 165 people, including children, died in an explosion at a school in southern Iran, according to IRNA, Iran’s state news agency.
In Israel, Iran’s retaliation resulted in nine deaths when an Iranian missile struck a bomb shelter at a synagogue in Beit Shemesh, central Israel. One person died and at least 20 were injured when another Iranian missile hit buildings in central Tel Aviv.
Three US military personnel were reported killed in combat, with five others severely wounded. In Iranian counter-strikes against Arab countries hosting US military bases, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, five were killed and dozens injured.
The critical question remains: has Trump’s military action received formal congressional authorisation? Is there official permission to attack Iran?
In his video announcement, Trump described the US-Israel operation against Iran as a “major combat operation”. However, this operation did not receive formal clearance from the US Congress.
The US Congress holds official authority to declare war, as prescribed in Article I of the US Constitution. However, the Constitution grants the president broad authority to engage in military action.
This grey area has been the source of considerable debate in Washington. Reactions on Capitol Hill to the US-Israel attack on Iran have been largely divided.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, stated that the Trump administration had notified the “Gang of 8”—a bipartisan group comprising congressional leaders—before the attack.
Most Democrats have condemned the strikes, accusing Trump of waging war without congressional approval. Democrats have renewed calls for Congress to debate a war powers resolution, similar to a bill that failed last year due to lack of Republican support. If such a war powers resolution were introduced and passed, it could block the president’s unilateral use of force without congressional consent.
However, the likelihood of such legislation passing appears low for now. Few Republican members have indicated support for such action, with exceptions including Representative Thomas Massie and Senator Rand Paul.