Trump administration officials are in active conversations with members of Congress about congressional authorisation for the Iran war ahead of tomorrow’s deadline, US broadcaster CBS reports citing a White House official. 

Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president has 48 hours to notify Congress after entering the US into new hostilities, then a 60-day clock begins. At the end of that 60-day period, the president must terminate the use of force without explicit congressional approval. The deadline is tomorrow (Friday). 

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly says, “President Trump has been transparent with the Hill since before Operation Epic Fury began, and administration officials provided over 30 bipartisan briefings for members of Congress to keep them apprised of military updates.”

“The President’s preference is always diplomacy, and Iran wants to make a deal,” she adds.