US House of Representatives Clips Trump’s Iran War Powers

The US House of Representatives passed a measure that seeks to halt President Donald Trump from further military action in Iran.

The 215-208 vote was successful after four Republicans joined Democrats in a rare public show of disapproval of the war, which began in February. This is the fourth attempt by the House to rein in Trump's war powers, which critics say lack congressional approval.

Despite a ceasefire agreement, both the US and Iran have exchanged strikes in recent days. Ahead of the vote, Trump again asserted that negotiations to end the war are going "very well" and could be finalised this weekend.

The House resolution still needs approval from the Republican-controlled US Senate.

Republicans Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett, and Warren Davidson joined a united front from Democrats to pass Wednesday's resolution. Democrat Jared Golden of Maine, who had previously voted against similar measures, backed the measure.

The Senate has passed a similar resolution in May, but will need to take up this version advanced by the House. Even if it were successful in the Senate, the measure is unlikely to fully curb military action against Iran.

Trump could veto the measure, which would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to nullify.

The Pentagon, State Department and USAID inspectors general have launched a joint review of the US war with Iran, announcing in a press release Wednesday that they are mandated by law to probe overseas military operations that exceed 60 days.

The announcement is significant because it indicates that the watchdogs believe that, legally, the war has lasted more than 60 days from its commencement on February 28. Under the War Powers Act, the president is prohibited from keeping US troops in active hostilities for more than 60 days without congressional approval.

The administration never sought such approval for Operation Epic Fury, the name the US gave to its military campaign against Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last month that it was his understanding that the 60-day clock on the war “reset” when President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire in April.