Republicans in the US Congress have insisted that the attack on Iran was fully within the powers and authority of Donald Trump as commander- in -chief.
Democrats said the administration has not made its case and are planning a war powers vote in the U.S. Congress this week.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff briefed congressional leaders on Monday about the strikes on Iran, two days after Israeli and U.S. forces began bombing the Islamic state.
Democrats argued that the U.S. Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the sole right to declare war and that Trump should not have embarked on what he said could be a weeks-long campaign without lawmakers’ approval.
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They also faulted the administration for failing to present a consistent argument for attacking Iran now and questioned whether U.S. interests were dictating policy.
Some Republican lawmakers maintained that the strikes were limited and strategic, aimed at deterring further aggression and protecting American personnel and allies in the region. They argued that the president acted within the scope of existing authorisations for use of military force and did not require fresh congressional approval.
However, several Democrats signalled plans to introduce a bipartisan resolution under the War Powers Act to compel the administration to seek explicit authorisation if military operations continue beyond the stipulated timeframe. They warned that unchecked executive action could set a dangerous precedent.
Foreign policy analysts have noted that the unfolding debate reflects longstanding tensions between the executive and legislative branches over war-making authority, particularly in fast-moving security crises. The situation is likely to intensify as details of the operation and its objectives become clearer.
Meanwhile, congressional leaders from both parties called for continued briefings from defence and intelligence officials, stressing the need for transparency and a clearly defined strategy as the U.S. navigates the escalating confrontation with Iran.
Reuters/NAN
