The US Congress has prepared a resolution that aims to limit President Donald Trump's powers to involve the US military in the conflict between Israel and Iran.
The document, which is a joint initiative of Republicans and Democrats, was published on the Congress website.
The US Congress has the exclusive right to declare war on Iran
The bill was authored by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who worked on it in partnership with several Democrats. In his address, he emphasized the need to uphold constitutional norms.
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“Congress has the exclusive right to declare war on Iran. The ongoing war between Israel and Iran is not our war. Even if it were, Congress must decide such issues in accordance with our Constitution,” he stressed.
The resolution requires the President of the United States (under Section 5 of the War Powers Resolution) to withdraw American forces from combat operations in Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
The document notes that lawmakers did not adopt a declaration of war or issue a special authorization to use military force against Iran.
“The Congress hereby directs the President to cease the use of the Armed Forces of the United States in combat against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any part of its government or armed forces, except as expressly authorized by a declaration of war or special authorization to use military force against Iran,” the resolution states.
This move by Congress was a response to the escalation of the situation in the Middle East.
Recall that on the night of June 13, Israel launched airstrikes on nuclear and military facilities in Iran. Tel Aviv explained its actions as a response to Tehran's progress in creating nuclear weapons.
The following night, Iran fired more than 150 rockets at Israel. Today, June 19, Iran launched a missile attack on a hospital in the Israeli city of Beersheba.
