Democratic US lawmakers are exploring the possibility of filing a lawsuit against US President Donald Trump if he continues military action against Iran after May 1 without congressional approval, Time magazine reported, citing its sources.
According to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the US president is required to notify Congress within two days of the deployment of troops to overseas combat zones and can use them without legislative approval for no more than 60 days, with the possibility of extending them for no more than 30 days if this period is necessary for the safe withdrawal of US troops from the conflict zone.
As the publication notes, Trump officially notified Congress on March 2 of the start of military action against the Islamic Republic, which means the White House has until May 1 to continue the operation without legislative approval.
Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate believe the approaching 60-day deadline could provide them with their best chance to challenge the war, which they say was launched illegally, Time reported.
Discussions about filing a lawsuit are still in the early stages, the magazine noted, but the process could intensify if the military action continues beyond May 1.