The U.S. House of Representatives voted 215-208 on Wednesday to pass a Democratic-led war powers resolution aiming to stop the war against Iran. The measure directs President Donald Trump to remove U.S. troops or seek congressional approval for further hostilities. The vote, which saw cheers erupt in the House chamber, included four Republicans who joined Democrats in a rare bipartisan rebuke of the president's war strategy.
The three-month-long conflict has evolved from a heavy bombing campaign to a fragile ceasefire, though the Trump administration insists the war is already over. Despite these claims, exchanges of fire continue and there is little sign of real progress in peace negotiations. The conflict has taken an escalating economic toll on Americans and reordered politics both at home and abroad.
House Speaker Mike Johnson previously attempted to block the measure by abruptly shutting down floor action two weeks ago. President Trump hit back at the lawmakers on Thursday, describing the vote as unpatriotic. This outcome marks the latest setback for Trump in Congress during his second term, following three previous failed attempts to pass similar resolutions in the House.
While the resolution provides a symbolic step against further military action, it is not immediately effective. To become law and overcome an almost certain presidential veto, the measure must pass the Senate and secure two-thirds majorities in both chambers. The Senate had advanced a similar procedural measure in May, but Congress remains far from being able to stop further attacks.