Senate Rejects Resolution To Block Trump Iran Strikes As Collins Faces Criticism

Under the War Powers Resolution, presidents must end military engagements not authorized by Congress within 60 days, unless granted an extension.

Trump initially predicted the conflict would last only four to five weeks, but the timeline is now nearing that legal threshold. He has sent mixed signals about the duration, saying earlier this week the war was “very close to over,” even as additional military actions continued.

“The president recognized ahead of time when he first went into Iran that this was going to be a short-term thing, right?” Sen. Lisa Murkowski said. “We’re probably not going to be dealing with 60 days. Well, here we are,” she said.

Collins said she believes congressional authorization would be required if the conflict continues beyond the 60-day mark. She also indicated she would likely oppose extending the war.