More US lawmakers push to block unauthorized war on Iran

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Social media
17 Jun 2025 15:47
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US lawmakers warn against repeating past mistakes as calls grow for a congressional vote before any US military action against Iran.

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US Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) speaks to the City Club of Cleveland, in Cleveland, Monday, April 14, 2025 (AP)

US Representative Ro Khanna has joined a growing bipartisan effort in Congress demanding that any potential US military action against Iran be subject to formal debate and authorization.

The move aligns Khanna with Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, both of whom have raised concerns over escalating tensions and the bypassing of congressional authority.

Khanna publicly endorsed Massie’s call by retweeting his statement and adding, “No war in Iran. It's time for every member to go on record. Are you with the neocons who led us into Iraq or do you stand with the American people? I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan War Powers Resolution with Rep. Massie that is privileged and must receive a vote.”

No war in Iran.

It's time for every member to go on record.

Are you with the neocons who led us into Iraq or do you stand with the American people?

I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan War Powers Resolution with Rep. Massie that is privileged and must receive a vote. https://t.co/aCbwOiDiHI
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) June 17, 2025

Massie had earlier posted on X, “This is not our war. But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution. I’m introducing a bipartisan War Powers Resolution tomorrow to prohibit our involvement. I invite all members of Congress to cosponsor this resolution.”

This is not our war.

But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.

I’m introducing a bipartisan War Powers Resolution tomorrow to prohibit our involvement.

I invite all members of Congress to cosponsor this resolution.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) June 16, 2025

The resolution follows a War Powers measure introduced by Senator Kaine, designed to ensure that any US military engagement with Iran would require congressional approval under the War Powers Act of 1973. Lawmakers from both parties have increasingly expressed concern over the potential for the US to become entangled in a direct war with Iran without legislative oversight.

MAGA rift deepens: Greene rebukes Republicans backing war on Iran

Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene sharply criticized on Monday members of her party for supporting US involvement in the escalating Israeli war on Iran, accusing them of betraying the “America First” principles they claim to uphold.

In a lengthy post on X, Greene declared that “everyone is finding out who are real America First/MAGA and who were fake and just said it because it was popular,” suggesting a growing rift within the Trump-aligned Republican base over foreign policy.

Everyone is finding out who are real America First/MAGA and who were fake and just said it bc it was popular.

Unfortunately the list of fakes are becoming quite long and exposed themselves quickly.

Anyone slobbering for the U.S. to become fully involved in the Israel/Iran war…
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) June 15, 2025

Greene expressed opposition to what she sees as unconditional support for foreign wars, particularly in the Middle East, warning that US military involvement in the current Israeli war on Iran could have disastrous consequences. “Anyone slobbering for the US to become fully involved in the Israel/Iran war is not America First/MAGA,” she wrote, calling such positions “disgusting".

She emphasized that the war could escalate far beyond the region, potentially drawing in BRICS nations and NATO. “This one will quickly engulf the Middle East, BRICS, and NATO,” she warned, arguing that real “America First” advocates support peace over military intervention.

Wider context

On the night of June 13, the Israeli occupation military launched a large-scale aerial aggression against Iran. The attacks, led by the Israeli Air Force, struck residential buildings, civilian infrastructure, military sites, and nuclear-related facilities, including those in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Iranian media reported the martyrdom of several high-ranking military officials, nuclear scientists, and tens of civilians in the strikes.

The Israeli entity claimed the attacks were launched to neutralize what it described as an "imminent threat to its existence," alleging that Iran was nearing the "point of no return" in developing nuclear weapons. In response, Iran launched Operation True Promise 3, targeting Israeli occupation military positions in a retaliatory strike.

Tehran formally notified the United States, France, and the United Kingdom of its intent to launch broader strikes inside Israeli-occupied territory if aggression continues. Russia also weighed in, strongly condemning the Israeli attacks and labeling them “categorically unacceptable".