US House Votes to Curb Trump’s Iran War Powers

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Washington: The United States House of Representatives passed a resolution on Wednesday demanding for the end of US military involvement in the Iran war unless Congress formally authorises further operations, dealing President Donald Trump a huge political setback.

The Democratic-led war powers resolution passed a 215-208 vote, with four Republicans breaking ranks to join Democrats in support. The legislation invokes Congress' constitutional authority over war-making powers and orders the president to withdraw US military operations connected to Iran unless lawmakers approve.

For the first time since the conflict started more than three months ago, a congressional effort to restrict Trump's military campaign against Iran has passed both chambers on a final vote. Previous House attempts, such as last month's 212-212 tie, had failed by narrow margins.

The leading Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Gregory Meeks, filed the resolution in response to growing concerns in Congress regarding the legitimacy, expense, and duration of the war. Proponents contend that the government initiated and continued military actions without the War Powers Act's and the Constitution's necessary approval.

Republican lawmakers Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett, and Warren Davidson supported the bill, indicating dissatisfaction within Trump's own party over the conflict and its economic consequences, such as rising energy prices.

The resolution still has a lot of challenges in spite of the House approval. Even if it passes the Senate, Trump is likely to oppose or reject any effort to limit his power. The White House has kept that diplomatic attempts are still ongoing and has defended the military campaign as essential to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons.

Nevertheless, the vote shows growing widespread demand for a larger role for Congress in decisions related to military action globally and represents the biggest legislative criticism of Trump's handling of the Iran conflict.