Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said Tuesday that President Trump possesses constitutional authority to conduct military strikes against Iran beyond the 60-day timeframe established by the War Powers Act.

Thune made the remarks to reporters as the Senate prepares to vote this week on issues related to military action and presidential war powers. The War Powers Act, passed in 1973, generally requires congressional approval for military operations lasting longer than 60 days.

The South Dakota Republican disputed interpretations from some Senate colleagues regarding the scope of presidential military authority. Thune's comments suggest disagreement within Congress over the extent of executive power to authorize sustained military operations without legislative approval.

The timing of Thune's statement comes amid ongoing tensions with Iran and broader debates over the balance between executive and legislative authority in military matters. The scheduled Senate vote this week will likely address these constitutional questions around war powers and presidential authority.

Thune's position aligns with broader Republican arguments that presidents have inherent constitutional powers as commander-in-chief to protect national security interests, even when those actions extend beyond traditional War Powers Act limitations.