Axios: U.S. Congress Moves Toward Giving Trump De Facto Green Light for War with Iran

The U.S. Congress is moving toward granting President Donald Trump what amounts to a green light to launch military action against Iran, according to a report by Axios.

The U.S.-based outlet reported that lawmakers are weighing steps that could effectively authorize the president to use force against Tehran, amid escalating tensions between the two countries. While no formal declaration of war has been announced, the proposed measures could provide the administration with broad authority to respond militarily.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have fluctuated sharply in recent years. During Trump’s previous term in office, the United States withdrew in 2018 from the 2015 nuclear agreement — formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — and reimposed sweeping economic sanctions on Iran. The move triggered a cycle of retaliatory steps, including Iranian breaches of nuclear limits and increased regional confrontations.

Relations further deteriorated following the 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad, pushing the two countries to the brink of direct conflict. Since then, disputes have persisted over Iran’s nuclear program, regional influence, ballistic missile development, and attacks involving allied militias across the Middle East.

In recent months, concerns have intensified in Washington over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels and its support for armed groups in the region, factors that have fueled calls among some U.S. lawmakers for a tougher stance.

Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress holds the authority to declare war. However, presidents have frequently relied on congressional authorizations for the use of military force (AUMFs) to conduct military operations without a formal war declaration.

Any move by Congress perceived as endorsing military action against Iran would likely ignite sharp debate on Capitol Hill, with critics warning of the risks of a broader regional war and supporters arguing that deterrence requires credible military options.