Why It Matters

Military operations against Iran have escalated dramatically since February, with the U.S. conducting strikes across the country without formal congressional authorization. A Congressional Research Service (CRS) report updated in September examines the origins, scope, and fallout from the conflict, laying bare the constitutional and strategic tensions facing Congress and the Biden administration as hostilities continue with no clear resolution in sight.

According to the International Energy Agency, Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz represents the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market. In May, U.S. gasoline prices had risen more than $1.50 per gallon compared to pre-conflict levels. The Strait of Hormuz disruption has caused massive global oil and gas price increases.

Congress has debated its constitutional war powers role throughout the conflict with Iran. The U.S. has pursued large-scale military operations without an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), prompting debate over whether the executive branch has overstepped its constitutional authority.

The Big Picture

The conflict traces back at least to October 2023, but escalated sharply on February 28 when U.S. and Israeli strikes, designated Operation Epic Fury, targeted Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) assets, Basij paramilitary forces, missile and drone sites, naval assets, military-industrial base, and command-and-control centers. U.S. Central Command reported striking over 10,000 targets. By March 23, 13 U.S. service personnel had been officially reported killed, with approximately 50,000 American troops deployed in and around the Middle East.

Iran responded with retaliatory strikes across the region and made a concerted effort to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz through threatened and actual attacks on commercial shipping and naval vessels, halting traffic through the waterway. The disruption has caused massive global oil and gas price increases, benefiting Russia, which has reportedly provided Iranian forces with target intelligence and advice on drone tactics.

A two-week ceasefire began on April 7, followed by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June intended to end the conflict and negotiate a broader settlement. That agreement collapsed weeks after being signed and formally expired in August. As of September, limited U.S. and Iranian strikes continue, the administration has pursued a redoubled sanctions campaign, and regional actors are attempting to restart diplomatic engagement.

Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI-7) introduced a proposed AUMF that would limit the conflict's scope, establish a mission objective of denying Iran a nuclear weapon, set a sunset expiration of July 30, 2026, and include 30-day reporting requirements to Congress. The House passed H.R. 1422 by unanimous consent on March 16, which would expand sanctions authorities related to Iranian petroleum or petrochemical products.

The Bottom Line

The CRS report underscores a critical gap between military action and political authorization. Congress has debated its constitutional war powers role throughout the conflict, including consideration of the Barrett AUMF, yet no formal authorization has been enacted. As of September, limited U.S. and Iranian strikes continue, and regional actors are attempting to restart diplomatic engagement.

Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights

Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article