US military operations against Iran, including airstrikes and a naval blockade tied to Strait of Hormuz control, have continued since February 2026 without a formal congressional declaration of war. Trader consensus reflects the constitutional requirement for Congress to authorize declarations, a step last taken in 1942, alongside repeated diplomatic pauses, ceasefires, and resumed strikes through July and early August 2026. Recent developments include US pauses in strikes for talks, Iranian actions on shipping, and ongoing negotiations over access routes, which reduce immediate pressure for legislative action. Key upcoming factors include any shift in congressional priorities, escalation thresholds, or executive requests that could alter the path to formal authorization before resolution dates.