Legal Framework

War Powers Resolution

Federal law limiting the President's power to deploy U.S. forces into hostilities without congressional authorization, requiring notification within 48 hours and withdrawal within 60 days absent congressional approval.

Related incidents

2 incidents

Iran War: Crime of Aggression — War Launched Without Congressional Authorization

The United States launched a major war against Iran without congressional authorization, without a UN Security Council mandate, and while diplomatic channels remained open. Legal experts, the Brennan …

  • On February 28, 2026, the US and Israel launched nearly 900 airstrikes in 12 hours against Iran under 'Operation Epic Fury,' killing Supreme …
  • Approximately 170 civilians were killed when a missile struck a girls' school adjacent to a naval base in Minab, near Bandar Abbas.

Naval Blockade of Venezuelan Oil Exports

A naval blockade of Venezuelan oil exports drew condemnation from UN experts as a violation of fundamental international law, with legal analysts characterizing it as an act of war imposed without …

  • Trump announced a 'TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE' of sanctioned oil tankers going to and from Venezuela in December 2025.
  • UN experts declared the blockade violated 'fundamental rules of international law,' characterizing it as an unlawful use of force.