Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.

Overview

H.Con.Res. 102 (119th Congress) is a concurrent resolution directing the President, under section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to terminate United States armed hostilities with Iran. It does not itself authorize the use of force; rather, it instructs the executive branch to withdraw U.S. military forces from hostilities or occupations related to Iran unless a formal declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force (AUMF) is enacted.

Primary purpose and intent

• To require the President to remove U.S. armed forces from active hostilities against Iran or its government/military, including potential ground forces in a combat role or occupations, unless Congress explicitly authorizes a new use of military force.
• To reaffirm Congress’s oversight under the War Powers Resolution by asserting a path to end hostilities absent new AUMF or a war declaration.

Key provisions

• Section 1: Termination of Use of Force
  • Directs the President to withdraw U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran or any part of its government or military, and to cease potential ground combat or occupation roles, unless there is an explicit declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force against Iran.
  • Includes a Rule of Construction clarifying specific limits:
  • The resolution does not prevent self-defense or defense of U.S. forces, diplomatic facilities, or allied states from imminent attack.
  • It does not prevent maintaining a troop presence in the region for defensive purposes.
  • It does not force removal of U.S. forces in the region that are not engaged in hostilities.
• Section 2: Rule of Construction Relating to Intelligence Sharing
  • States that nothing in the resolution should disrupt intelligence activities (collection, analysis, or sharing with coalition partners) when the President determines such sharing is appropriate and in U.S. national security interests.
• Section 3: Rule of Construction Relating to Nonauthorization of the Use of Military Force
  • Clarifies that the resolution does not authorize the use of military force, consistent with War Powers Resolution restrictions.

Affected parties and scope

• U.S. Armed Forces: the resolution targets removal from hostilities involving Iran, including combat roles and occupation, unless superseded by new authorization.
• Executive branch: directs the President to implement withdrawal, with allowances for self-defense and defensive postures.
• Intelligence, defense, and diplomatic agencies: permitted to continue intelligence and related activities, including sharing with allies if appropriate for national security.
• Congress: reinforces its War Powers oversight by codifying a unilateral directive to withdraw, not to authorize new military action.

Procedural and timeline aspects

• Status: Introduced in the House of Representatives on May 15, 2026 by Rep. Emily Randall (co-sponsor).
• Referral: Referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
• This resolution is a concurrent resolution, not a bill seeking to pass into law; it expresses Congress’s position and directs the President, but does not itself create enforceable law without presidential action.

Potential impact and considerations

• If enacted or embraced by the President, could lead to rapid withdrawal of U.S. forces from ongoing hostilities with Iran, affecting ongoing missions, bases, and deployments in the region.
• Does not repeal or modify existing War Powers constraints beyond directing withdrawal absent new AUMF or war declaration.
• Provides a clear Congressional stance on ending hostilities with Iran, while preserving rights to defend against imminent threats and maintain defensive presence as needed.