The US House of Representatives has passed a war powers resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump's authority to continue military action against Iran. The vote, which took place on Wednesday, saw 215 lawmakers in favour and 208 against, with four Republicans crossing party lines to support the measure.
The resolution, which now moves to the Senate, requires Trump to seek congressional approval for ongoing hostilities or withdraw US forces. This marks the fourth time the House has voted on such a measure, as the conflict has now exceeded 90 days—a key threshold under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which mandates presidential consultation with Congress after that period.
While the vote is largely symbolic, as the concurrent resolution does not require the president's signature, it represents a significant rebuke to Trump. The White House has argued that a temporary ceasefire since 8 April invalidates the 90-day rule, despite repeated breaches by the US, Israel, and Iran.
The resolution's passage follows a previous cancellation by House Republicans, who lacked sufficient votes to defeat it. In the Senate, a similar measure advanced last month with support from four Republican defectors. The top three House Democrats—Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar—issued a joint statement urging Senate Republicans to act.
The conflict has seen Iran close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route, and the US impose a naval blockade. Public support for the war remains low, with concerns among Republicans that rising fuel costs could harm the party in November's midterm elections. Trump has previously punished Republican dissenters, including Thomas Massie, who lost a primary after challenging the president.
