Donald Trump suffered a significant setback last week when the House of Representatives passed a measure under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, directing the White House to remove all US forces from hostilities against Iran. The vote, which saw four Republicans join Democrats, came weeks after the Senate advanced its own version of the bill. Trump denounced the move as 'unpatriotic' on Truth Social, but analysts say his intimidation tactics are unlikely to work this time.
The war in Iran has proven costly, with 13 American troops killed and global energy prices soaring. A June 4 Economist/YouGov poll found 68% of Americans want a quick deal to end the fighting. Lawmakers fear a midterm backlash if they are seen as failing to restrain the president, while even war supporters complain about a lack of basic information from the administration.
The House vote is a concurrent resolution, lacking the force of law, but its political significance is clear. Republican defections reflect the war's unpopularity and Trump's plummeting poll numbers. As Tehran understands Trump's predicament, it is unlikely to offer major concessions, leaving the president scrambling for an exit from what many see as a self-inflicted quagmire.
