Mike Johnson Claims 'Not at War' with Iran as Trump Administration Wages Costly Military Campaign

House Speaker Mike Johnson is trying to rewrite reality. Speaking to NBC News, Johnson claimed the United States is “not at war” with Iran, even as the Trump administration’s military operation against Tehran nears the 60-day mark set by the 1973 War Powers Resolution. That law requires the president to either get congressional approval for war or withdraw forces within 60 days.

Johnson insisted that the U.S. is merely “policing the Strait of Hormuz” and “trying to broker a peace,” and that Congress should stay out of the way during “sensitive negotiations.” He dismissed any need for congressional authorization, saying, “There’s nothing Congress can do to move that along any further.”

This stance directly contradicts the facts on the ground. The Trump administration launched Operation Epic Fury nearly two months ago, conducting military strikes against Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged a “ceasefire” but dodged questions about the 60-day limit, deferring to White House counsel. Meanwhile, Sen. Tim Kaine pointed out that the law does not pause the clock during ceasefires.

The White House insists it has been “transparent” with Congress, citing over 30 briefings, but the reality is that Congress has been largely sidelined from meaningful debate or authorization. Trump himself has called the conflict a “war” multiple times, only to backtrack when pressed about congressional approval.

Cost-wise, the toll is staggering. Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules Hurst III testified that the Iran operation has already cost $25 billion, with plans to request more supplemental funding from Congress. Yet the administration continues to avoid formally acknowledging the conflict as a war, apparently to evade legal and political accountability.

This is classic Trump-era authoritarian overreach: manufacturing a costly foreign conflict without Congress’s consent, then gaslighting the public and lawmakers about its nature and legality. Mike Johnson’s claim that “we are not at war” is a cynical dodge to rubber-stamp an illegal war and shield the administration from oversight.

Congress must reclaim its constitutional role and demand full transparency and accountability over this unauthorized war before it spirals further out of control. The American people deserve better than this charade.