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House passes resolution to limit Trump's Iran military operations
The US House of Representatives approved a measure on Wednesday aimed at restricting President Donald Trump's ability to conduct military operations against Iran without congressional approval. The vote, which passed 215-208, saw four Republicans break ranks to join Democrats in a rare bipartisan rebuke of the administration's Iran policy.
Symbolic vote highlights growing opposition
The resolution, a war powers measure, mandates that Trump either withdraw US forces engaged in hostilities with Iran or seek explicit approval from Congress. While the vote carries significant political weight, its legal impact remains uncertain. The White House has dismissed the resolution as unconstitutional, arguing it infringes on presidential authority.
Despite its largely symbolic nature, the vote underscores mounting pressure on the administration to de-escalate the conflict. Public opposition has grown as petrol prices surge, and lawmakers from both parties express concerns over the war's direction.
Republican defections signal internal party divisions
The resolution's passage marked the fourth attempt by the House to rein in Trump's war powers. Earlier efforts stalled in the Senate, which has yet to hold a full floor vote on a similar measure. Wednesday's vote saw Republicans Thomas Massie (Kentucky), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pennsylvania), Tom Barrett (Michigan), and Warren Davidson (Ohio) side with Democrats to advance the resolution.
"Congress alone declares war-that's something we need to be protective of," Barrett said. When asked about potential backlash from Trump, he added, "I vote my conscience for what I think is right and am willing to accept that."
Democrat Jared Golden of Maine, who previously opposed similar measures, also switched his vote in support of the resolution.
Democrats frame vote as turning point in Iran conflict
Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called the vote "a significant bipartisan rebuke of President Trump's illegal and costly war in Iran and the first step toward ending it once and for all."
Meeks criticized Trump for failing to achieve the war's stated objectives while driving up fuel prices and complicating diplomatic efforts to address Iran's nuclear program. "More and more Republicans are listening to their constituents, who do not want another open-ended war in the Middle East," he said.
Escalation and ceasefire efforts amid ongoing tensions
The conflict began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran. Tehran retaliated by targeting Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf, later closing the Strait of Hormuz-a critical global shipping route. In April, the US imposed a blockade on ships traveling to or from Iran's coast.
An initial ceasefire was reached on April 8, but hostilities resumed in recent days. Iran struck Kuwait, a US ally, after the US conducted additional strikes on Iranian targets. Trump claimed negotiations to end the war were progressing, telling reporters on Wednesday, "We hit them pretty hard... Some people would say they were slightly provoked."
The president suggested a deal could be finalized as soon as this weekend, adding, "Most of the members of my administration are hoping to end the conflict soon with a deal 'without killing everybody.'"
Next steps and legal uncertainties
The resolution passed by the House is a concurrent measure, meaning it does not require Trump's signature if approved by the Senate. However, it could face legal challenges. The Senate, controlled by Republicans, has yet to schedule a vote on its version of the resolution.
