House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Thursday that the United States is not at war with Iran, pushing back against the significance of an approaching legal deadline tied to the War Powers Resolution.
Johnson made the remarks in an interview with NBC News as the 60-day mark since the start of U.S. military operations against Iran-linked targets draws near - a threshold that carries legal weight under the 1973 War Powers Resolution.
"I don't think we have an active, kinetic military bombing, firing or anything like that. Right now, we are trying to broker a peace," Johnson told NBC News, according to reporting by The Hill.
What the War Powers Resolution requires
The War Powers Resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing U.S. armed forces to hostilities. If Congress does not authorize the action, the president must withdraw forces within 60 days, with an additional 30-day withdrawal period.
The law was passed in the aftermath of the Vietnam War to limit a president's ability to engage in prolonged military action without congressional approval. Its enforceability has long been disputed by successive administrations of both parties.
Congressional pressure builds
Johnson's comments reflect growing pressure on Congress to address questions about the legal basis for any military posture toward Iran. As the deadline approaches, lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns about whether the executive branch has properly engaged Congress on the matter.
The speaker's framing - that current U.S. activity does not constitute active warfare - echoes arguments made by previous administrations when seeking to avoid triggering the resolution's withdrawal requirements.
Johnson indicated that diplomatic efforts remain the current focus, describing the situation as an attempt to "broker a peace" rather than sustain an armed conflict.
Broader context
Tensions between the United States and Iran have remained elevated over issues including Iran's nuclear program and its support for proxy forces across the Middle East. U.S. military assets have been positioned in the region in response to various incidents over recent months.
The War Powers Resolution debate is likely to intensify in the coming days as the 60-day window closes, with some members of Congress expected to use the deadline as leverage to demand greater legislative oversight of executive military decisions.
