Trump Administration का Iran संघर्ष War Powers Act द्वारा परीक्षण – US‑Congress संबंधों के निहितार्थ

<h2>US‑Iran Military Standoff and the Constitutional Check</h2> <p>On <strong>28 February 2026</strong>, the administration of <span class="key-term" data-definition="Donald Trump – 45th President of the United States (2021‑2025), whose foreign‑policy decisions are examined in GS2: Polity for executive‑legislative dynamics">Donald Trump</span> launched a military offensive against <span class="key-term" data-definition="Iran – Islamic Republic of Iran, a key player in West Asian geopolitics; its foreign‑policy actions are relevant to GS1: International Relations">Iran</span> in coordination with Israeli strikes across the Middle East. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf states (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) and blocked the vital oil corridor through the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Strait of Hormuz – Narrow waterway between Oman and Iran through which about a fifth of global oil passes; strategic chokepoint studied in GS3: Economy and GS1: International Relations">Strait of Hormuz</span>. The United States responded with a counter‑blockade of Iranian ports, gaining partial control of the strait.</p> <h3>Key Developments (Feb‑Mar 2026)</h3> <ul> <li>US‑led offensive commenced on <strong>28 February 2026</strong> alongside Israeli operations.</li> <li>Iran’s missile‑drone barrage targeted Israel, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and sealed the Strait of Hormuz.</li> <li>Washington imposed a naval counter‑blockade, limiting Iranian shipping.</li> <li>Despite a fragile cease‑fire, the conflict threatens to expand.</li> <li>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="War Powers Act (WPA) – 1973 US law that limits the President’s ability to engage armed forces without Congressional approval after 60 days; a classic case study in GS2: Polity">War Powers Act</span> (War Powers Resolution) may curtail further US action unless Congress authorises it.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="War Powers Resolution of 1973 – Legislative measure enacted after the Vietnam‑Era to restore congressional war‑making authority; often cited in comparative constitutional studies (GS2: Polity)">War Powers Resolution</span> was passed in response to President <span class="key-term" data-definition="Richard Nixon – US President (1969‑1974) who expanded the Vietnam War into Cambodia without congressional consent, prompting the WPA (GS2: Polity)">Richard Nixon</span>’s clandestine operations in Cambodia. It mandates that the President must obtain congressional approval for any hostilities exceeding <strong>60 days</strong>. Trump, however, may explore legal loopholes—such as classifying actions as “limited” or invoking emergency powers—to sidestep the requirement.</p> <h3>Relevance for UPSC</h3> <p>Understanding the interplay between executive military prerogatives and legislative oversight is essential for GS2 (Indian Polity) and GS1 (International Relations). The episode illustrates:</p> <ul> <li>How c