US House of Representatives has approved a resolution seeking to restrict President Donald Trump from continuing military operations against Iran without congressional authorization, marking a significant challenge to the White House’s handling of the conflict and exposing growing divisions within the president’s own party.

The measure passed by a narrow vote of 215 to 208, with four Republican lawmakers joining Democrats in support of the resolution. The legislation directs Trump to withdraw US forces from hostilities involving Iran unless Congress formally declares war or authorizes military action.

Although the vote does not immediately alter US military operations, it represents one of the strongest congressional rebukes of Trump’s foreign policy since the conflict with Iran began more than three months ago.

The resolution now faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where lawmakers have yet to schedule a final vote on a similar measure. Even if both chambers approve the legislation, constitutional questions remain over whether Congress can compel a president to end military operations through a war powers resolution.

Nevertheless, the House vote highlighted growing unease among lawmakers over the expanding conflict and reflected concerns that the United States could become drawn into a prolonged military engagement in the Middle East without a clearly defined strategy.

The resolution’s approval followed several previous attempts to restrict presidential war powers that had narrowly failed in the House.

Earlier efforts were defeated by increasingly smaller margins, while Republican leaders postponed a planned vote last month when it appeared likely to attract enough support to pass.

The four Republicans who broke ranks with party leadership were Representatives Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky.

No Democrats voted against the measure, underscoring the broad consensus within the opposition party that Congress should play a greater role in decisions involving military action.

The vote comes as Trump faces a series of challenges from lawmakers within his own party after months of largely unified Republican support for his domestic and foreign policy agenda.

In another sign of shifting dynamics on Capitol Hill, the House also approved a procedural measure that advances the Ukraine Support Act, legislation that would provide additional security assistance to Ukraine in its war against Russia.

That bill reached the House floor after supporters secured the required number of signatures through a discharge petition, bypassing Republican leadership. Six Republicans and one independent lawmaker who typically votes with Republicans supported the procedural motion.

Lawmakers Question Trump’s Authority as Iran War Drags On

Recent weeks have also seen Republican lawmakers criticize several White House initiatives, including plans to establish a controversial compensation fund for political allies who claim they were unfairly targeted by government agencies.

Some Republicans have additionally questioned Trump’s decision to appoint loyalist Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence despite his lack of national security experience.

The Iran conflict has become an increasingly contentious issue within Congress as casualties mount and economic concerns grow.

Democrats have repeatedly argued that Trump exceeded his constitutional authority by engaging in military operations without first obtaining congressional approval.

Under the US Constitution, Congress holds the power to declare war, while presidents serve as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The balance between those authorities has long been debated, particularly during modern military conflicts.

Critics of the administration warn that the United States risks becoming entangled in another lengthy Middle Eastern conflict without a clear exit strategy or defined objectives.

They have also linked the war to rising economic pressures on American households, pointing to increases in energy and consumer prices since military operations against Iran intensified.

Higher fuel costs and disruptions to global supply chains have become prominent concerns as fighting in the region continues.

Representative Gregory Meeks, the Democratic sponsor of the resolution and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the vote reflected growing public opposition to the conflict.

“The passage of this WPR today signals a significant turning point: more and more Republicans are listening to their constituents who do not want another open-ended war in the Middle East.”
Gregory Meeks

Democrats have increasingly centered their political messaging around affordability issues ahead of November’s midterm elections, which will determine whether Republicans retain control of Congress.

Economic data released in recent months has added urgency to those concerns. Producer prices recorded their largest increase in four years in April, driven by higher costs for goods and services amid ongoing instability in global energy markets.

The Trump administration has defended its actions, arguing that military operations are necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to protect US national security interests.