The US is fast approaching a key deadline that could alter or reshape the course of Iran war. On May 1, a 60-day window under the War Powers Resolution expires - it is the legal window within which a US president can continue military action without lawmakers' consent.
So far, Republicans in the Congress have repeatedly blocked Democratic attempts to halt the military campaign or compel President Donald Trump to seek legislative approval. Operation Epic Fury was launched on February 28 without congressional authorisation, but has continued with backing from most Republicans.
That consensus, however, may not hold for long. With the key deadline approaching under the War Powers Resolution, some Republicans are beginning to signal that the coming weeks could mark a decisive moment - one where the president may have to either scale back the war or formally go to Congress.
The timeline stems from the War Powers law, designed to limit a president's ability to engage in prolonged military action without lawmakers' consent.
When US forces joined strikes alongside Israel on February 28, Trump justified the move as necessary to protect American bases and to "advance vital United States national interests". He also framed the action as part of "collective self-defense of our regional allies, including Israel."
Though the strikes began in late February, the formal notification to Congress came on March 2 - triggering a 60-day window that expires on May 1. Under the statute, that deadline carries weight: without congressional approval, the president is expected to withdraw US forces once the clock runs out.
While the White House and Republican leadership maintain that the operation is within legal bounds, Democrats have consistently challenged that position, arguing the president overstepped his authority.
Even as Republican lawmakers have stood together in opposing Democratic resolutions - with the latest block coming in the Senate this week - cracks are beginning to appear within the party. Some have drawn a clear line at the 60-day mark. Senator John Curtis said he "will not support ongoing military action beyond a 60-day window without congressional approval".
Others have hinted that political support for the war could weaken if it stretches beyond the deadline.
Representative Brian Mast, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, warned that there could be "a different vote count after 60 days".
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