I’ve just sort of thrown my hands up politically. I’d prefer to have seen this done properly, but I’d rather have it done improperly than not have it done at all. This should take the whole issue of Iranian nukes off the table for a long, long time, and that is a very, very good thing.
It was done properly.
The President has authority as Commander-in-Chief to launch targeted strikes without congressional approval, particularly for urgent threats, under Article II, Section 2. Historical examples include Clinton’s 1999 Serbia strikes, Obama’s 2011 Libya campaign, and Trump’s 2020 Soleimani strike.
Article I, Section 8 gives Congress war declaration power, implying oversight for major actions. The War Powers Resolution requires congressional notification within 48 hours and limits engagements to 60 days without approval.