Rep. Ro Khanna Threatens Lawsuit After Media Reports of New U.S. Strikes on Iran

Overview

• Media reports flagged footage said to be from U.S. Central Command claiming fresh U.S. airstrikes on Iran prompted a sharp reaction from lawmakers.
• Rep. Ro Khanna publicly warned he and other congressional plaintiffs would sue President Donald Trump to stop the strikes if they continue, calling the actions a violation of the War Powers Resolution.
• The House earlier passed a war-powers resolution directing the president to seek authorization or withdraw forces, but the measure has not cleared the Senate and faces a promised White House veto.
• The War Powers Resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing forces to hostilities and limits sustained hostilities beyond 60 days without authorization, a legal standard Khanna invoked in his threat.
• If litigation proceeds it will test whether federal courts will adjudicate this executive-legislative dispute and could affect U.S. military decision-making and regional tensions if strikes are confirmed or continue.