The US House of Representatives has voted 215-208 in favour of a war powers resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump's authority to continue military action against Iran. The measure, backed by four Republicans who broke ranks with their party, demands that the president seek congressional approval or withdraw US forces from the conflict.
The resolution now moves to the Senate, where 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 support the resolution, saying it holds Trump accountable and stands up for the American people.
This marks the fourth House vote on limiting Trump's war powers since the conflict began over 90 days ago. The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires presidential approval from Congress after 90 days of hostilities, but the White House disputes this, citing a temporary ceasefire in place since 8 April, despite repeated violations.
The vote is largely symbolic, as the concurrent resolution does not require the president's signature and its legal force is unclear even if passed by the Senate. However, it signals growing willingness among some Republicans to defy Trump, who has maintained tight control over the party through retribution against dissenters.
Efforts to negotiate a settlement have stalled, while a shaky ceasefire holds amid sporadic hostilities. Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route, and the US has imposed a naval blockade. Public support for the war remains low, with Republicans fearing rising fuel costs could hurt them in November's midterm elections.
