US conducts second day of strikes on Iran amid congressional war powers dispute

The United States carried out a second series of airstrikes against Iranian military sites on Saturday, saying they were a response to Tehran's attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated by striking U.S. facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, raising concerns that the conflict could undermine a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in mid-June to de-escalate tensions.

Democratic Representative Ro Khanna called the strikes “a blatant violation” of a war powers resolution that Congress approved earlier this month, and said he would seek legal action to compel the president to halt the campaign. The resolution, passed by the Senate 50-48 and the House 215-208, requires the president to withdraw forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress authorizes further action, and it limits military presence to defensive purposes.

President Trump dismissed the measure as “poorly timed and meaningless,” arguing that it provides “aid and comfort” to Iran. A White House official echoed the view, stating the resolution has no practical effect because hostilities ended with a cease-fire on April 7. Legal scholars noted that the resolution is non-binding and that any challenge would likely be decided by the courts.

The latest strikes come as the Pentagon seeks an $80 billion funding request to replenish munitions used in the conflict. Analysts warned that the exchange of fire could trigger further escalation, with Iranian officials indicating that retaliation is expected. The situation remains fluid as both sides navigate the terms of the MoU and broader regional security concerns.