Under the War Powers Resolution, also called the War Powers Act, a US president who has activated the armed forces without congressional approval has 60 days to stand down before it is technically considered anillegal war.
President Donald Trump's military campaign against Iran is nearing a critical legal deadline as the 60-day limit under the US War Powers Resolution approaches on 1 May. If Trump decides to ignore the deadline, theIran conflictcan legally be referred to as 'illegal'.
The War Powers Resolution of 1973, also known as the War Powers Act, is a federal law intended to check the US president's power to commit the United States to an armed conflict without the consent of Congress.
The War Powers Resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action. It also forbids the US armed forces from remaining for more than 60 days at the site of a conflict, in this case, in or around Iran, including its waters.
Opponents to the extension of theIran warbeyond 1 May argue that any continued offensive military action without congressional approval would violate federal law and undermine the constitutional power of Congress to declare war officially.
Under statute, Congress must authorise the Iran conflict by 28 April. If it fails to do so, the president is required to terminate military action. However, Trump can invoke a provision to extend the 60-day clock for another 30 days if he argues that sustained military action is required to keep service members safe while withdrawing from Iran.
Lawyers for Trump's administration have rationalised the strikes on Iran as necessary self-defence and protection of US allies in the Middle East. Washington claimed the attack on Iran was justified by ongoing threats from Tehran, including an alleged threat to the president's life.
Trump justified the war as necessary to eliminate Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, claiming the regime was on the verge of developing weapons that could threaten the US homeland.
To comply with theWar Powers Resolution, Trump formally notified Congress of military engagement on 2 March, although strikes on Iran began on 28 February 2026. After the 60-day deadline on 1 May, a 30-day extension is allowed for troop withdrawal from Iran.
If Congress does not approve the war by 1 May, the Trump administration and Pentagon must be prepared to scale back military presence in the Middle East. This withdrawal includes American naval presence at the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters.
Source: International Business Times UK
