The War Powers Resolution of 1973, which authorizes a president to commit military forces into “hostilities” abroad for up to 60 days, does not legally bind the president, but it does in the current conflict with Iran. The Constitution assigns the president responsibility for determining strategy, directing operations, and deciding when and how hostilities should conclude. Congress has no business imposing arbitrary deadlines on military operations. Critics argue that the 60-day deadline is a legislative effort by Congress to limit a president's judgment as the constitutional commander in chief. However, the Constitution does not require the president to wait for congressional authorization before responding to Iran's attacks. The Supreme Court has upheld President Lincoln's blockade of Southern ports, even though Congress had not declared war.