Trump says he doesn't want to call Iran conflict a "war" because of need for approval from Congress

March 26, 2026

TL;DR

President Trump avoids calling the Iran conflict a 'war' to sidestep the need for congressional authorization.
He prefers the term 'military operation,' though he has used 'war' intermittently.
Democrats argue Trump lacks legal authority for military strikes without congressional approval.
The Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war, and the War Powers Act generally limits hostilities to 60 days without authorization.
Trump views the War Powers Act as unconstitutional.
Senate Democrats have made multiple unsuccessful attempts to limit Trump's military powers in Iran.
Republicans and the Trump administration justify the actions due to threats posed by Iranian missiles and Trump's authority as Commander in Chief.
Similar debates over terminology and congressional approval occurred during the Obama administration's actions in Libya in 2011.

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