The US House of Representatives narrowly rejected a bipartisan effort to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to expand military action against Iran, highlighting growing tensions between the White House and Congress over control of war powers.
In a 219–212 vote on Thursday, lawmakers defeated a resolution that would have required the president to seek congressional authorization before broadening U.S. military operations against Iran. A similar proposal had already failed in the Senate earlier, leaving the administration free to continue its current military campaign.
Read More: Senate likely to reject Trump Iran war limits
The resolution was introduced by lawmakers from both parties who argued that Congress must reassert its constitutional authority to approve acts of war. Supporters said the measure was necessary to prevent the executive branch from unilaterally escalating the conflict.
Representative Judy Chu, a Democrat from California, said she supported the War Powers Resolution to halt what she described as an unlawful conflict. She argued that the administration had not demonstrated an imminent threat that would justify continued hostilities without congressional approval. Chu also warned that the conflict had already resulted in the deaths of several American service members and numerous civilian casualties.
Representative Mike Levin, another California Democrat, emphasized the constitutional dimension of the debate. He said the framers of the Constitution intentionally granted Congress—not the president—the power to declare war.
Republican lawmakers opposed the measure, saying it would weaken the president’s ability to respond to threats during an active confrontation with Iran. Representative Brian Mast, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, argued that the resolution would effectively prevent the administration from acting while U.S. forces faced ongoing dangers in the region.
Read More: US Senate blocks resolution to limit Trump’s Iran war powers
Meanwhile, tensions with Tehran remain high. Iranian officials have condemned recent U.S. actions, while explosions and strikes have been reported in Tehran as hostilities between Iran, Israel and regional targets continue to escalate.
Analysts warn that without a diplomatic breakthrough, the conflict risks expanding into a broader regional crisis.