“This is not our war": Lawmakers launch bipartisan effort to block Trump from starting war with Iran

Lawmakers are hoping to pass legislation that limits President Donald Trump’s authority to bring the United States into war with Iran.

Rep. Thomas Massie introduced a resolution on Tuesday, that would prohibit U.S. forces from engaging in hostilities against Iran unless specifically authorized by Congress. The Kentucky Republican has since been joined by 15 other members of the House of Representatives, all Democrats. 

“This is not our war. But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution,” Massie posted on social media earlier this week.

"No war in Iran. It’s time for every member to go on record. Are you with the neocons who led us into Iraq, or do you stand with the American people?” Rep. Ro Khanna D-Calif. said in a post to X.

Progressive Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York both replied to Massie’s post saying they would support the resolution.

Virginia Senator Tim Kaine is pushing a similar bill in the upper chamber.

“It is not in our national security interest to get into a war with Iran unless that war is absolutely necessary to defend the United States,” Kaine said in a statement on Monday. "I am deeply concerned that the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran could quickly pull the United States into another endless conflict.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., introduced legislation that blocks the use of federal funds for an unauthorized conflict with Iran. Seven senators have expressed their intention to vote for Sanders’ “No War Against Iran Act.”

Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course.

The legislation comes as Trump appears ready to increase America's role in the war. On Tuesday, he demanded Iran's surrender and issued veiled threats to the ayatollah.