TIME: Democrats signal lawsuit option if Iran operations continue

Democrats in Congress are weighing the possibility of filing a lawsuit against President Donald Trump if he continues military operations in Iran beyond a looming legal deadline without congressional authorisation, setting the stage for a potential constitutional clash over presidential war powers.

According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, cited by TIME, internal discussions — not previously reported — remain at an early stage but could intensify in the coming weeks if Trump proceeds with the conflict after the expiration of a key 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution.

Interviews with dozens of Democrats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate indicate a growing effort within the party to determine how to enforce limits on the war. Many lawmakers believe the approaching deadline presents their strongest opportunity to challenge what they describe as a military campaign launched without proper authorisation and sustained without meaningful congressional oversight.

Several Democrats told TIME that Congress could have a credible legal claim if Trump disregards the statute, though most emphasised that legislative options should be exhausted before turning to the courts.

“Legal action has to be explored,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, an attorney and member of the Judiciary and Armed Services committees who unsuccessfully sued Trump during his first term. “He has to be confronted with illegality, and the court is one way to do it.”

Representative Ted Lieu of California, vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus, also supported the idea of legal action if the administration moves past the deadline. He argued that doing so could strengthen Congress’s ability to establish legal standing — a key requirement for pursuing a lawsuit.

“I’m absolutely in favour of a lawsuit,” Lieu said. “I believe we would have a very strong argument that we would have standing.”

“If we don't have standing,” he added, “then it would mean that, basically, this law could never be enforced.”

The discussions reflect mounting frustration among Democrats, who have repeatedly failed to curb the war through legislative means. For nearly eight weeks, Republicans have blocked efforts to force an end to hostilities or require formal authorisation for the use of military force.

Under the War Powers Act of 1973, a president must terminate military operations within 60 days unless Congress has declared war or passed a specific authorisation. The law permits a single 30-day extension, but only if the president certifies in writing that additional time is needed to ensure the safe withdrawal of US forces. So far, Congress has not approved any authorisation related to Iran, and the White House has given no public indication that it intends to seek such approval.

The US military campaign against Iran began on February 28 and reached the 60-day mark on April 29. However, because Trump formally notified Congress of the strikes on March 2 — which triggers the legal clock — the administration has until May 1 to obtain authorisation to continue operations.

Some Republicans have previously indicated that May 1 represents a critical juncture that both the president and party leadership must take seriously.

At the same time, Trump is considering an offer from Iranian officials to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while postponing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Democratic calculations regarding a potential lawsuit could shift if the United States moves toward a ceasefire arrangement by accepting that proposal before the deadline.

By Tamilla Hasanova