US President Donald Trump says that he is not seeking congressional approval to extend the Iran war since it has “never been sought before”.

Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, the president can wage military action for only 60 days before ending it, coming to Congress for authorisation or seeking a 30-day extension due to “unavoidable military necessity regarding the safety of United States Armed Forces”.

“Nobody’s ever gotten it before, they consider it totally unconstitutional,” Trump tells reporters, adding that he is “always in touch with Congress”.

“Nobody’s ever sought it before, nobody’s ever asked for it before, it’s never been used before, why should we be different?” he asks.