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yesterday

Trump Orders Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites Without Congressional Approval as Ceasefire Holds

Efforts in Congress to challenge his unilateral military authority have stalled despite bipartisan criticism over executive war powers

Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon in Washington, Sunday, June 22, 2025, after the U.S. military struck three sites in Iran, directly joining Israel's effort to destroy the country's nuclear program. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) listens during a mark up meeting with the House Committee on Energy and Commerce committee on Capitol Hill on May 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
President Donald Trump returns to the White House prior to a meeting with his National Security Council on June 21 in Washington, DC.

Overview

  • On June 21, President Trump directed strikes on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan nuclear sites without seeking prior congressional authorization to preempt Tehran’s nuclear program.
  • He brokered and announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran on June 22, a truce that has largely held even after Iran’s missile retaliation against a U.S. base in Qatar.
  • The U.S. military reported no American casualties during the strikes or Iran’s subsequent counterattack, underscoring the operation’s precision.
  • Democratic Reps. Jim Himes, Gregory Meeks and Adam Smith introduced a War Powers resolution to require congressional approval for future Iran actions, and a separate impeachment attempt over the strikes was defeated in the House.
  • Republican reactions split between support for preemptive force to block nuclear development and constitutional objections from lawmakers like Rep. Thomas Massie.