Arabic version: ترامب يؤكد أن الرؤساء السابقين تجاهلوا قانون سلطات الحرب

President Donald Trump has asserted that he does not require congressional approval to continue military actions against Iran. He claims that past U.S. presidents have similarly bypassed the War Powers Act, which mandates congressional authorization for military engagement.

According to BBC News, Trump stated that previous commanders-in-chief viewed Congress’s authority to limit presidential war powers as “totally unconstitutional.” He emphasized that seeking congressional authorization has never been a standard practice, suggesting that his predecessors did not adhere to the law.

The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires the president to terminate military operations within 60 days unless Congress votes to continue them. This deadline was triggered on February 28 when the administration notified lawmakers about military actions in Iran. However, Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argue that a current ceasefire pauses the countdown, leading to debate over the interpretation of the law.

Historically, some presidents have sought congressional approval. For instance, President Ronald Reagan received authorization for military deployment in Lebanon in 1983, and President George H.W. Bush sought congressional consent for the Gulf War in 1991. Conversely, President Bill Clinton did not seek approval for the 1999 bombing campaign in Kosovo, which exceeded the 60-day limit.

Experts have noted that Trump’s actions may not align with the War Powers Act. David Schultz, a political science professor, highlighted concerns regarding the implications of a strong executive committing the nation to combat without legislative support. With ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, the resolution of the conflict remains uncertain.