Trump just told Congress the Iran war is "terminated" in a letter timed to the 60-day War Powers Resolution deadline. No exchange of fire since the April 7 ceasefire, so legally, the clock stops and no congressional authorization is needed.
But U.S. troops are still deployed across the region. The Strait of Hormuz is still restricted. Iran's president is calling the U.S. naval blockade "an extension of military operations." Oil is above $126 a barrel. Gas just hit $4.39 a gallon nationally, up 27 cents in a single week.
The War Powers Resolution was designed to force presidents to get congressional approval before committing the country to prolonged military conflict. Instead, every administration just finds a legal workaround. Declare the war over on paper, keep forces in place, and if hostilities resume, the 60-day clock resets from zero.
Congress has forced six floor votes to limit the president's war powers in Iran. Republicans blocked all six.
The war is over. Except for the part where it isn't.
But U.S. troops are still deployed across the region. The Strait of Hormuz is still restricted. Iran's president is calling the U.S. naval blockade "an extension of military operations." Oil is above $126 a barrel. Gas just hit $4.39 a gallon nationally, up 27 cents in a single week.
The War Powers Resolution was designed to force presidents to get congressional approval before committing the country to prolonged military conflict. Instead, every administration just finds a legal workaround. Declare the war over on paper, keep forces in place, and if hostilities resume, the 60-day clock resets from zero.
Congress has forced six floor votes to limit the president's war powers in Iran. Republicans blocked all six.
The war is over. Except for the part where it isn't.
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