S.J.Res. 163 — A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

This section states congressional findings that (1) Congress has the sole power to declare war under Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution; (2) the President has a constitutional responsibility to defend the United States, its territories, possessions, citizens, servicemembers, and diplomats from attack; (3) Congress has not declared war on Iran or enacted specific statutory authorization for use of military force within or against Iran; (4) such use of military force constitutes introduction of U.S. Armed Forces into hostilities under section 4(a) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1543(a)); and (5) certain resolutions requiring removal of U.S. Armed Forces from such hostilities are subject to expedited procedures under section 1013 of the Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1984 and 1985 (50 U.S.C. 1546a).

This section directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 1546a (a War Powers Resolution provision allowing Congress to direct termination of certain hostilities) and section 601(b) of the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force. It includes a rule of construction clarifying that the directive does not prohibit the United States from (1) defending against attacks on U.S. personnel or facilities abroad; (2) collecting, analyzing, or sharing intelligence on threats from Iran or its proxies, including with partner countries attacked by Iran since February 28, 2026; or (3) assisting such partner countries by intercepting retaliatory attacks on their territory or providing defensive materiel support.