The White House is actively negotiating with Congress regarding congressional reauthorization for the Iran military campaign, according to a senior White House official. The administration must secure a vote by Friday due to the constraints of the War Powers Resolution, which limits unilateral military action to a 60-day window absent congressional approval.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly defended the administration's communication record with lawmakers, stating that officials have conducted over 30 bipartisan briefings for members of Congress since Operation Epic Fury began. Kelly said the president prefers diplomacy and that Iran has expressed willingness to negotiate. She did not specify which path the administration would pursue if Congress does not vote to authorize the campaign.
The congressional discussions come as Republican lawmakers face midterm election pressures and have begun expressing concerns about extended military operations. Senator Josh Hawley said Wednesday that he would prefer not to authorize the war, noting that Trump appears focused on winding down military efforts in favor of a ceasefire and diplomatic settlement with Tehran. Hawley suggested the administration could issue certifications under the War Powers Resolution rather than seek full congressional authorization.
According to reporting, the president is scheduled to receive a briefing Thursday from Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, regarding proposed military actions in Iran. The plans reportedly target Iranian infrastructure in an attempt to break the current diplomatic stalemate in negotiations with Tehran.
The deadline imposed by the War Powers Resolution marks a critical juncture in the administration's Iran strategy. While past presidents have largely disregarded the 60-day operating window, the current political environment—with midterm elections approaching—has intensified scrutiny of the military campaign among some Republican members.
