Trump Faces May 1 Deadline to Justify Iran Conflict Under War Powers Act

President Trump is approaching a critical deadline under the War Powers Act, which requires him to seek congressional approval to continue military action against Iran beyond 60 days. Enacted in 1973, the law mandates that the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying armed forces and limits engagement to 60 days without explicit authorization. As the clock ticks toward May 1, the administration faces mounting pressure to justify ongoing operations or risk being in violation of federal statute. Legal experts note that failure to comply could lead to constitutional challenges and a potential shutdown of military activities. The situation underscores the enduring tension between executive power and legislative oversight in matters of war.