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Democrats Threaten Lawsuit If Trump Tries to “Restart” Iran War

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09.07.2026

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Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine (Virginia) has suggested that lawmakers may sue President Donald Trump if he attempts to “restart” the U.S. war on Iran — a threat that comes as the war appears to have amped up in recent days.

Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have passed War Powers Act resolutions intended to restrict Trump from continuing the war (although the Senate voted to rescind its resolution shortly after it passed). Trump launched the unprovoked war on February 28, meaning it has gone on well beyond the 60- and 90-day period that the War Powers Act allows such a conflict to last without congressional approval.

The White House claims these resolutions are nonbinding. But some Democrats say otherwise, suggesting that one or both resolutions that were passed could be used in a lawsuit against the administration seeking to end the war.

“If Trump does restart the war, I think you’ll see people in court right away saying Congress has passed war powers. Both houses have declared the war is illegal,” Kaine told Punchbowl News.

Kaine is not the only Democrat suggesting as much. Late last month, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-New York) made the same argument, claiming the measures are “binding under the War Powers Resolution.”

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“I will explore all legal avenues to ensure the executive complies with the will of Congress,” Meeks........

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