Virginia Senator Tim Kaine has accused President Donald Trump of launching an “unconstitutional” military strike against Iran, describing it as an “offensive war of choice” that bypasses congressional authorization. Kaine, a member of both the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, voiced his concerns during an appearance on Fox News Sunday, where he emphasized the need for a vote in the Senate regarding military engagement in Iran.

In response to the recent military actions, Kaine highlighted that he had previously filed a war powers resolution aimed at bringing the matter to a Senate vote. He reiterated that the existing Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), enacted in 2001, does not provide adequate legal grounds for military action against Iran. This point, he noted, had been clarified by the Senate in earlier discussions. Kaine expressed confidence that a vote on his resolution would occur later this week, urging all senators to take their constitutional responsibilities seriously and vote on whether the U.S. should engage in war with Iran.

Kaine’s comments come in the wake of a heated debate over presidential war powers, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Some Republican senators, including Mark Wayne Mullen, have defended the president’s actions, arguing that Article II of the Constitution gives the commander-in-chief the authority to respond to threats against American interests. Mullen contended that Iran’s history of aggression justifies the president’s military response, framing it as a necessary measure to protect American lives.

Kaine countered this perspective by recalling the missteps of the past, specifically referencing the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, which was predicated on misleading intelligence. He expressed concern that the current administration may be repeating history by escalating tensions with Iran based on questionable claims regarding its nuclear capabilities. Citing statements from Trump’s national security officials and the Israeli foreign minister, Kaine argued that there was no imminent threat from Iran’s nuclear program and criticized the decision to act unilaterally without congressional approval.

The senator underscored the importance of accountability and public debate in matters of war, suggesting that the framers of the Constitution intended for Congress to play a crucial role in decisions of such gravity. He called for a transparent discussion about the risks of military engagement and the potential consequences for American troops and global stability.

As the situation develops, Kaine remains hopeful that some Republican senators may join Democrats in opposing an unchecked presidential war effort. He reiterated that the U.S. should not engage in warfare without a thorough examination and authorization from Congress, cautioning that unilateral military action could lead to further instability in the Middle East and jeopardize American interests abroad.

With a Senate briefing scheduled for later this week, the debate over U.S. military actions in Iran is set to intensify, as lawmakers grapple with the implications of the president’s decisions and the necessity of congressional oversight in matters of war.