Congress Must Stop Trump From Illegally Attacking Iran

Massive US military buildup in the region raises concerns about imminent strike on Iran

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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President Donald Trump seems poised to illegally attack Iran, despite ongoing diplomatic talks and strong opposition from the American public. Congress must fulfill its constitutional duty and vote to require authorization for any military action against Iran before it's too late.

Why it matters

The US has already attacked seven countries since Trump took office, and another war with Iran would be disastrous. Congress needs to step up and stop this unauthorized war before it starts, reflecting the will of the American people who overwhelmingly oppose military action against Iran.

The details

Trump has convened a 'Board of Peace' (though 'Board of Imperial Conquest' would be more apt) and is amassing a massive military force in the region, including two aircraft carrier battle groups. This is exactly the kind of military buildup one would expect ahead of a large-scale offensive, not just limited strikes. Retired Lt. Col. Daniel Davis says 'You don't assemble this kind of power to send a message. In my view, this is what you do when you're preparing to use it.'

  • Trump abrogated the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, setting the stage for this crisis.
  • Next week, the House of Representatives will vote on H. Con. Res. 38, the Iran War Powers Resolution.
  • A companion resolution, S. J. Res 104, has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Tim Kaine and Rand Paul.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who seems poised to illegally attack Iran.

Ro Khanna

A US Representative from California who is a co-sponsor of the Iran War Powers Resolution in the House.

Thomas Massie

A US Representative from Kentucky who is the only Republican co-sponsor of the Iran War Powers Resolution in the House.

Tim Kaine

A US Senator from Virginia who has introduced a companion resolution to the Iran War Powers Resolution in the Senate.

Rand Paul

A US Senator from Kentucky who has introduced a companion resolution to the Iran War Powers Resolution in the Senate.

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What they’re saying

“You don't assemble this kind of power to send a message. In my view, this is what you do when you're preparing to use it.”

— Daniel Davis, Retired Lt. Col. and senior fellow at Defense Priorities (commondreams.org)

What’s next

Next week, the House of Representatives will hold a vote on H. Con. Res. 38, the Iran War Powers Resolution. If the House resolution passes, the Senate vote on the companion resolution, S. J. Res 104, might quickly follow.

The takeaway

Congress must fulfill its constitutional duty and vote to require authorization for any military action against Iran before it's too late. The American public overwhelmingly opposes another disastrous war, and Congress needs to listen to the will of the people.