Key facts
- US House passed a resolution to limit President Trump's war powers against Iran.
- The vote was 215 in favor and 208 against.
- Four Republican lawmakers supported the resolution.
- The resolution invokes the War Powers Resolution of 1973.
- The measure requires Senate approval to become law.
The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives approved a resolution on Wednesday to block President Donald Trump from continuing military action against Iran, reflecting growing concern among members of his party about the 3-month-old conflict. The House voted 215 to 208, with four Republicans voting with Democrats in favor of the war powers resolution, which directs Trump to withdraw U.S. troops from Iran unless Congress declares war or authorizes the use of military force. This is the latest setback for Trump in Congress despite his party's slim majorities. The vote is largely symbolic as legislation must pass the Senate and there is debate over the constitutionality of war powers resolutions. The vote reflects unease among some Republicans over Trump's handling of the conflict and marks a rare bipartisan effort to curb presidential war powers. Trump called the vote unpatriotic and criticized Republicans who sided with Democrats. The Senate advanced a similar resolution last month in a procedural vote, but further votes have not been scheduled. The four House Republicans who voted for the resolution were Representatives Tom Barrett, Warren Davidson, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Thomas Massie. Democrats have called on Trump to seek authorization from Congress, noting the Constitution grants the legislature the power to declare war. They also cited higher prices for gasoline, food, and other products since the joint U.S.-Israeli air strikes on Iran began on February 28. Representative Gregory Meeks stated the passage signals a turning point with more Republicans listening to constituents who do not want another Middle East war. Democrats have made affordability a central theme ahead of midterm elections, noting U.S. producer prices posted their biggest increase in four years in April, boosted by soaring costs since the war began. Separately, President Trump stated on Thursday that Washington did not need a deal with Iran to obtain enriched uranium and that he did not wish to meet with Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, though a meeting was possible if a deal were reached.