HOW IS IT LEGAL TO BOMB IRAN? Article by Todd Chase Since World War II, the legal authority for U.S. presidents to conduct military strikes without a formal declaration of war has come primarily from the Constitution, which names the president Commander in Chief of the armed forces under Article II. While Congress holds the power to declare war under Article I, presidents have long been understood to possess authority to use military force to defend U.S. interests, protect American personnel, an