A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

Summary of SJRES 172 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

• SJRES 172 is a joint resolution introduced in the Senate by Senator Warnock on April 13, 2026. Its central aim is to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
• The resolution invokes the War Powers framework, asserting Congress’s exclusive power to declare war and reiterating that there has been no specific statutory authorization for military action against Iran.

Key provisions and changes

• Section 1 — Findings:
  • Affirms Congress’s sole power to declare war.
  • States there is no declaration of war or specific statutory authorization for use of military force (AUMF) against Iran.
  • Cites the War Powers Resolution (WPR) purpose: ensuring joint congressional–presidential judgment on introduction of U.S. Armed Forces into hostilities.
  • Notes the President’s consultation obligation under the WPR before introducing forces into hostilities.
  • References the February 28, 2026 launch of “Operation Epic Fury” against Iran and subsequent casualties and escalation indicators.
  • Describes IRGC actions (strait closure) and additional U.S. force deployments in March 2026, followed by a ceasefire on April 8, 2026.
  • States that a U.S.-led blockade of the Strait of Hormuz was announced following negotiations.
  • Defines that any use of force within or against Iran constitutes introduction into hostilities under the WPR.
  • Cites a 1984–1985 State Department Authorization Act provision (50 U.S.C. 1546a) regarding expedited procedures for resolutions directing removal of troops from imminent hostilities without a war declaration or specific AUMF.
• Section 2 — Removal of United States Armed Forces:
  • Directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran, unless there is an explicit declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force.
  • This directive is grounded in the cited statutory framework (50 U.S.C. 1546a and 50 U.S.C. 1543(b) via the referenced International Security and Arms Export Control Act procedures).
• Section 3 — Rule of construction:
  • Clarifies that nothing in the resolution prevents:
  • Defending the United States, its personnel, or facilities in other nations.
  • Collecting, analyzing, or sharing intelligence related to threats from Iran or its proxies (including with Israel and international partners as appropriate).
  • Assisting partner nations attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026, for defensive purposes (including providing defensive materiel support).
  • Providing assistance for security, departure, and evacuation of U.S. citizens affected by the hostilities.

Who/what would be affected

• U.S. Armed Forces currently engaged in hostilities with Iran or in regions linked to Iran-related actions would be subject to removal, absent new war declarations or specific AUMF.
• The executive branch (President) would be required to execute the removal decision.
• U.S. agencies involved in intelligence, defense, and homeland security would continue to perform their roles, including intelligence sharing and defensive support for allies as permitted by the resolution.
• Allies and partner nations could be indirectly affected through changes in military posture or coordination tied to the removal actions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

• The bill references expedited procedures under section 601(b) of the International Security and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 for resolutions directing removal from imminent hostilities without a declaration of war or specific AUMF (per Section 1013 of the 1984–85 State Department Authorization Act).
• The action timeline in the findings reflects events from February 28, 2026 (initiation of hostilities) through April 8, 2026 (ceasefire) and ongoing ceasefire/redirected operations.
• As of the latest action history, the Senate committee discharge motion on the resolution was rejected in a 47-48 vote, with a subsequent discharge motion filed under authority of the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (indicating procedural attempts to move the bill forward in the Senate).

Practical note

• If enacted, SJRES 172 would be a policy directive mandating the President to withdraw U.S. forces from Iran-related hostilities not authorized by Congress, relying on historical and statutory mechanisms for expedited consideration. It does not itself authorize new war powers but seeks to constrain ongoing or escalated combat without Congressional authorization.