Trump’s strikes on Iran rattle war powers debate in Congress

President Trump's decision to attack Iran over the weekend has triggered a fierce debate on war powers in Congress, where Democrats in both chambers are rushing to force votes on a resolution that would require explicit congressional approval for any military strikes against Tehran. The swift legislative response reflects growing concerns about the administration's unilateral military actions and potential escalation with Iran. Democrats argue that the Constitution grants Congress sole authority to declare war, and they are determined to reassert that power in the face of what they perceive as executive overreach. The resolution, which could come to the floor as early as this week, would establish a legal framework requiring congressional authorization for any further military engagements with Iran, effectively limiting the president's ability to act unilaterally. This move comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where the U.S. and Iran have been engaged in a dangerous tit-for-tat exchange of military actions since the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani last year. The debate underscores a long-standing constitutional struggle between the executive and legislative branches over war-making powers, with previous administrations having faced similar congressional challenges. While the Democratic effort has gained momentum, its ultimate success remains uncertain, as it would likely face opposition from Republicans who generally support a strong presidential stance on national security matters.