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Defense Secretary Says Trump Can Resume Iran Operations Without Congress

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified Tuesday that President Trump possesses inherent constitutional authority to restart military operations against Iran without seeking congressional approval. This statement came after the administration exceeded the 60-day window established by the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which requires presidents to obtain legislative authorization for extended military action.

The Trump administration announced in May that hostilities with Iran had ceased, citing this development as justification for not pursuing formal congressional authorization at that time. During Senate Armed Services Committee questioning, Hegseth argued the president retains all necessary powers under Article 2 of the Constitution to resume strikes if deemed necessary. When pressed on whether explicit congressional authorization would be beneficial, Hegseth maintained the administration's position that Trump already possesses sufficient executive authority to act unilaterally.