The U.S. Congress is back in the thick of it again when it concerns foreign policy, and especially Iran, after the 2026 midterm elections. With tensions rising in the Gulf, and President Trump signalling a more aggressive approach, it feels like a repeat of history. The big question everyone’s asking: Can Congress actually do anything to halt or challenge a war with Iran?
Congressional Power In Theory And In Practice
The U.S. Constitution gives Congress—not the president—the power to declare war (Article I, Section 8). But in the last few decades, presidents have found ways around it, taking military action under broad authorisations or using executive authority. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 was meant to restrict the president by requiring them to inform Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops and limiting the time to 60 days without congressional approval. But in practice, presidents from both parties have found loopholes or ignored these limits when it served their agendas.
But what can this Congress do?
Understandably, Americans are loath to get involved in another Middle East conflict. That scepticism provides this new Congress not only the tools, but also the public backing, to push back on the White House. Here’s what Congress can really do:
1. Legislative Action: Congress could pass resolutions to cut funding for any military action against Iran that is not fully authorised. It’s a powerful tool, but a dangerous one—overriding a presidential veto would require bipartisan unity, which is pretty rare these days. Or, have public hearings to grill the administration about its rationale for escalating the war, exposing the holes and hyperbole.
2. War Powers Resolutions. Congress can pass a resolution demanding that U.S. troops be withdrawn from any hostilities not officially authorised. “Sure the president can veto, but these resolutions are still a tonne of political pressure and can change public sentiment,” he said.
3. Litigation: This one is a long shot but, on occasion, individual lawmakers or groups in Congress have sued the Executive Branch over unauthorised military action. In the past, the courts have generally steered clear of these battles, leaving it to Congress and the president to work things out among themselves.
Will Congress rise to the occasion?
This is where it all gets murky—and unpredictable. Congress has talked a big game in the last several years, but lawmakers often back down when presidents stretch their powers. The politics of an election year and deep partisan divisions make it even harder to get anything done. Still, this new Congress does have more members — on both sides — who seem weary of endless war and ready to reclaim some constitutional authority. The public is also tired of foreign entanglements and gives us a real opportunity for change—if Congress will take it.
My Opinion: Congress Must Step Up
In my view, Congress has both a constitutional and a moral obligation to rein in the president’s war powers. The disasters of Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya still hang heavy. Before Americans engage in another conflict, they deserve open debate, clear legal authority and real accountability. Standing up to unauthorised wars is a test lawmakers can’t afford to fail
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