The United States House of Representatives has passed a resolution aimed at restricting President Donald Trump’s ability to continue military operations against Iran without congressional approval.
The measure was approved in a 215-208 vote on Wednesday, with four Republicans joining Democrats in support of the resolution.
The war powers resolution requires the president to either withdraw US forces involved in the conflict or seek formal authorisation from Congress for continued military action.
Although the measure is largely symbolic and its legal impact remains uncertain, its passage represents a significant bipartisan rebuke of the administration’s handling of the war.
The White House dismissed the resolution, describing it as an unconstitutional attempt to limit presidential authority as commander-in-chief.
The vote comes amid growing public concern over the conflict, rising fuel prices and increasing pressure on the administration to secure a diplomatic solution.
Republican lawmakers Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett and Warren Davidson broke ranks with their party to support the measure, while Democrats voted overwhelmingly in favour.
Representative Tom Barrett defended his decision, saying Congress must protect its constitutional authority to declare war.
“Congress alone declares war. That’s something we need to be protective of,” Barrett said.
Democrats described the vote as a turning point in efforts to end the conflict.
Representative Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the measure reflected growing opposition to what he called an “illegal and costly war.”
The United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, triggering retaliatory attacks by Tehran against Israel and US allies in the Gulf region.
Although both sides agreed to an initial ceasefire on April 8, hostilities have continued in recent weeks, including fresh US strikes on Iranian targets and retaliatory Iranian attacks on Kuwait.
Despite the tensions, President Trump said negotiations were progressing and suggested a broader agreement to end the conflict could be reached soon.
“We’re pretty close to signing a paper,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “Most people want this to end without further loss of life.”
The resolution must still pass the Senate before becoming a formal expression of Congress, though legal challenges over its constitutional authority are expected if it advances further.
