Donald Trump has two things to say about his war with Iran: it is already over, but a symbolic congressional vote to end it is a stab in the back that could derail peace talks. The US House of Representatives voted 215-208 on Wednesday to direct the president to withdraw forces from hostilities with Iran, the first such measure since Operation Epic Fury began on 28 February.
Four Republicans crossed the aisle to support the measure: Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Warren Davidson of Ohio, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, and Tom Barrett of Michigan. Each had different reasons: Massie opposed the war from the start, Davidson flipped back and forth, Fitzpatrick cited the law, and Barrett changed his mind due to economic pain in his district.
Despite the vote, the administration insists the war is over. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Congress the operation has ‘concluded’, and the US is now conducting only ‘completely defensive’ strikes. Yet gas prices average nearly $4.24 per gallon nationwide and almost $6 in California, while the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, disrupting 20% of global oil flows.
Trump's own Truth Social post describes ‘final negotiations to end the War with the Islamic Republic of Iran’, contradicting the claim of conclusion. A May Economist/YouGov survey found 59% of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of Iran, and Moody's Analytics estimates the conflict has cost US households roughly $100bn through higher energy costs.
Attention now turns to the Senate, where four Republicans have already broken rank to advance a similar war powers measure. The Senate reached a simple majority after Bill Cassidy of Louisiana flipped his vote, days after Trump helped defeat him in the primary. The final vote still looms, and if passed, it would require Trump's signature.
Wednesday's House vote is largely symbolic, but symbols accumulate. The war remains unpopular, the Strait of Hormuz is closed, and a growing number of Americans and their representatives see Trump's messaging as not winning.
