Israel and Iran exchange missile strikes as US weighs military response

Israel and Iran began exchanging missile strikes on June 13, 2025, with Israel targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities (CNN; AP).

The U.S. deployed two carrier strike groups—the USS Nimitz and USS Carl Vinson—and over 30 aerial refueling tankers to the Middle East (CNN; AP).

Oil prices rose to five-month highs immediately after the Israel-Iran exchanges, reflecting market fears of supply disruptions (CNN Business; AP).

Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the exclusive power to declare war.

The War Powers Resolution (H.J.Res. 542, 93rd Cong.; https://www.congress.gov/bill/93rd-congress/house-joint-resolution/542) requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying forces into hostilities and to obtain congressional authorization within 60–90 days.

The last formal declaration of war by Congress was in 1942; since then, military operations have proceeded under Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) and claimed inherent presidential authority.

A U.S. carrier strike group includes the aircraft carrier plus guided-missile destroyers, cruisers for air defense and anti-submarine warfare, and often a fast-attack submarine—not just the carrier alone.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem closed June 16–18, 2025, directing American personnel to shelter in place as a standard security protocol during active regional conflict.

The U.S. deployed THAAD missile defense systems to help Israel intercept Iranian rockets, demonstrating U.S. defensive support without direct offensive strikes (CNN; AP).