US Congress faces 60-day deadline on authorizing US-Israel war with Iran

9 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Apr 28

The 60-day War Powers Act threshold arrives May 1, with Congress yet to act on authorizing continued military operations against Iran, following over 3,300 deaths in Iran and 13 US personnel killed in retaliatory strikes.
Republican leaders have not indicated plans for a vote, though some senators express unease and divisions emerge over further military action and funding. The Trump administration has requested massive military funding and threatened further escalation.
A pause in fighting since April 8 offers political cover, but the war's legality is in question if Congress remains inactive. The conflict's political fallout threatens Republican unity ahead of November midterm elections.

If the President ignores the May 1 deadline, what constitutional checks remain to prevent an unauthorized war?

With ceasefire talks stalled, what is the likelihood of the conflict escalating into a ground invasion?

With Iran’s Supreme Leader killed, who now controls the nation’s military and nuclear decisions?

Does this crisis prove the War Powers Act is an outdated constraint on modern presidential authority?

Under international law, is the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz a legitimate act of war?

How will the indefinite blockade of the Strait of Hormuz reshape global energy markets and supply chains?