Murkowski presses Hegseth on Iran war powers as Trump administration claims authority to strike without Congress

By THE ALASKA STORY

May 12, 2026 -War Secretary Pete Hegseth told Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski on Tuesday that President Donald Trump already has all the constitutional authority needed to resume military operations against Iran without seeking a new authorization from Congress, setting up another clash over presidential war powers and the role of lawmakers in approving extended conflicts.

The exchange came during a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on the Pentagon’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, estimated at roughly $1.5 trillion. Murkowski pressed Hegseth on whether the administration would seek congressional approval if the United States restarts major combat operations against Iran.

Hegseth responded that the administration believes the president already possesses the authority to act.

“Senator, our view is that should the president make the decision to recommence, that we would have all the authorities necessary to do so,” Hegseth said, adding that the president has “all the authorities he needs under Article II” of the Constitution, referring to presidential commander-in-chief powers.

The current conflict traces back to “Operation Epic Fury,” the coordinated US-Israeli military campaign that began Feb. 28, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, and military assets. President Trump formally notified Congress on March 2 under the requirements of the 1973 War Powers Resolution.

Under the War Powers Resolution, presidents are generally required to end hostilities within 60 days unless Congress authorizes continued military action or grants an extension. That deadline expired in late April.

The administration maintains the timeline no longer applies because a ceasefire took effect in early April, effectively ending or pausing active hostilities. Trump notified Congress on May 1 that fighting had ceased. Murkowski disputes that interpretation, noting that approximately 15,000 US troops remain deployed in the region, and that naval operations continue in the Strait of Hormuz, and military readiness remains elevated.

Murkowski seeks a more formal congressional role before any renewed military escalation. She has pushed for a specific Authorization for Use of Military Force, commonly known as an AUMF, to define the mission’s objectives, scope, and duration.

The administration maintains that Article II powers provide sufficient constitutional authority for the president to order military operations if necessary.

The issue has become increasingly contentious as the conflict’s costs mount. Estimates discussed during congressional hearings place the price tag of the Iran campaign between $25 billion and $29 billion.

The ceasefire itself remains uncertain. Trump described it as being “on life support,” amid continuing tensions over Iranian nuclear activities and conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping lanes.