Would President Bush have the authority to attack Iran if it was shown Iran is helping insurgents in Iraq?

Question

It is proven that Iran is in any way helping, funding, supplying, or aiding any groups that are hostile towards U.S. forces, can the President just order a strike against Iran? Or would he need approval from the congress and senate?

Answer 1

As commander in chief, he has the authority to order a strike. Congress hasn't declared war in 65 years.

Answer 2

That's sticky...I'd say no...more than likely an invasion into Iran would be a war...constitutionally only congress can declare war.

On a side note, if it's shown that Iran aided the 9/11 attacks on the US, the 107th congress already gave the President authorization "...to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations or persons."

Answer 3

we've not something to concern from Iran, they are insignificant and extremely damaging warriors. Embargoes and or air strikes will save them on the at as quickly as and narrow. Turkey basically desires to retaliate against a small team of Kurds not the completed inhabitants of Kurds and the the remainder of Iraq. Iraqi insurgents will have no weapons to conflict our troops if the Iranians think of they are going to wish the weaponry they have been helping the insurgents with. not something to agonize approximately!

Answer 4

He has the authority to do it, and congress has the authority to cut military funding for any operation, I don't think President Bush would rashly strike Iran, it would not be wise given the situation in Iraq. When we invaded Cambodia in 1970 it really didn't accomplish much accept to push the vietcong deeper into cambodia.

Answer 5

I suspect the best reason to strengthen troops in Iraq is the threat of Iran. And, yes, the President would be acting in his authority to deal with Iran under these circumstances.

Answer 6

It is questionable he truly had the authority to do what he has done so far. But congress can't call him on it because some day someone they like will be in power and they want them to not be responsible.

So authority wise, he could do anything he wants. Be interesting and terrifying to see where it goes if he tries.

That is the problem with power. Better to keep it than to try and and use it. For if you use it poorly, others will then feel no qualms about exercising their power on you.

Answer 7

He would need approval from congress, senate and american people. Not very likely given his inability to tell the truth and general untrustworthiness.
Let me clarify, Bush could declare war, but he would have to convince Congress to pay for it. Wars are expensive.

Answer 8

I think it's going to be a snubbing of the UN all over again. Iran's already been sanctioned by the UN over it's nuclear program.

So, we'll probably wind up doing the UN's job, again.

Whether we do it covertrly or overtly is another matter to be determined.

Answer 9

The president is the commander in chief and could order a strike even if congress disagrees (which they would no doubt).

Answer 10

I think he actually has the authority to do it, and you know he will. tonight on 60 min, he is going to talk about it and cheney will be there too. he says that he wont change his plans, no matter how much opposition he gets.

its just the same "stay the course" bullsh*t