WASHINGTON – As hostilities between Israel and Iran intensify, US lawmakers from both parties have taken steps to prevent former President Donald Trump from initiating military action against Iran without first obtaining congressional approval.
The opposition to unilateral military action is mounting in the United States.
The move aims to avert a potential regional war that could draw the US deeper into the conflict.
This legislative push comes as Washington increases its military presence in the Middle East by dispatching additional fighter jets and extending the stay of existing air assets in the region.
According to US defense officials, the deployment includes advanced F-16, F-2 and F-35 aircraft.
Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, has introduced a bill in the House of Representatives requiring Trump to secure explicit congressional approval before any military engagement with Iran. The legislation also mandates the termination of any unauthorized strikes already underway, according to Al Jazeera.
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar added her voice to the debate, writing on X: “No American has been attacked. Stop dragging the US into another war because of Israel’s decisions. Stand by the promise of peace — don’t send another generation into a needless, costly conflict.”
In the Senate, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia proposed a similar measure. Kaine, a long-time advocate of reinforcing Congress’s constitutional war powers, emphasized that only Congress has the authority to declare war, and that armed conflict with Iran should only occur if absolutely necessary for US defense.
Senator Bernie Sanders also criticized the Israeli offensive, suggesting it was aimed at derailing ongoing diplomatic efforts, particularly a planned nuclear dialogue. “There can be no offensive military action — against Iran or any nation — without Congress’s explicit approval,” Sanders stated.
Senator Rand Paul also warned against deepening US involvement, stating: “It is not America’s responsibility to engage in this war.” Representative Massie reinforced the sentiment, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “This is not our war.”
The reports surfaced that Israel, in recent days, has urged Washington to join its military operation against Iran. However, the Biden administration has, so far, refrained from committing to such involvement.
Israel launched its aerial offensive claiming Tehran was nearing nuclear weapons capability. The surprise attack allegedly decimated much of Iran’s top military command and several prominent nuclear scientists. Over 220 people have reportedly been killed in Iran, while Iranian retaliatory strikes using drones and ballistic missiles have left at least 20 people dead in Israel.
An Israeli military source claimed that Israel has gained aerial superiority over Iran and is preparing for a broader military offensive. Iran has reportedly launched around 400 ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones at Israeli targets in response.
President Trump has argued that the conflict could be swiftly resolved if Iran agreed to strict US conditions on its nuclear activities. Tehran, however, maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and remains within the legal framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), to which it is a signatory. Israel, widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, is not a member of the NPT and neither confirms nor denies its nuclear status.
Israel’s defense system fails as Iran continues Fateh-1 hypersonic missile attacks
