The White House tries to sidestep Congress on Iran as political pressures mount: From the Politics Desk
The White House is attempting to bypass congressional authorization for ongoing military actions in Iran by declaring hostilities terminated, despite maintaining a naval blockade and ongoing tensions. Political pressure is mounting as public opinion turns against the conflict, with a majority viewing it as a mistake, and some Republicans showing signs of dissent. The administration faces both geopolitical uncertainty and domestic challenges, including rising gas prices and partisan divisions over war powers.
- ▪The White House declared that hostilities in Iran have terminated, seeking to avoid congressional approval under the War Powers Resolution.
- ▪Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson argued that the ceasefire pauses the 60-day legal deadline for military action.
- ▪A new Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll shows 61% of adults believe the war in Iran has been a mistake.
- ▪Senator Susan Collins joined Democrats in an unsuccessful effort to halt military operations without congressional approval.
- ▪President Donald Trump stated the U.S. must choose between escalating militarily or pursuing a diplomatic deal with Iran.
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From the Politics DeskThe White House tries to sidestep Congress on Iran as political pressures mount: From the Politics DeskPlus, a trio of redistricting developments post-Supreme Court ruling. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00 body:has(.jw-flag-floating) .article-hero__container, body:has(.jw-flag-floating) .article-hero__media-holder, body:has(.jw-flag-floating) #content { z-index: auto; } Add NBC News to GoogleA 'military operation' or a 'war'? Inside Trump's mixed messaging on Iran14:58Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 1, 2026, 5:01 PM EDTBy The Politics DeskWelcome to From the Politics Desk, a daily newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign…
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