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The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct war, aiming to halt or scale back the ongoing military operation against Iran. Report by BBC.
The resolution was approved in a 215-208 vote held on Wednesday. Four Republican members sided with Democrats, taking a stand against the Trump administration’s war policy. There had been a long-standing debate over the legality of the Iran war, which began in February, due to the lack of congressional approval.
However, the resolution is still awaiting approval from the Senate. Even if it passes the Republican-controlled Senate, President Trump can veto it. In that scenario, a two-thirds vote in both chambers of Congress would be required to override the veto.
Following the vote, Republican Congressman Tom Barratt stated, “The power to declare war rests solely with Congress. We must preserve that.” When asked if he was concerned about Trump’s reaction, he replied, “I voted according to my conscience.”
Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, described the vote as a significant bipartisan message against Trump’s “illegal and costly” Iran war. He stated that the war has failed to achieve its stated objectives, instead driving up fuel prices and making a diplomatic solution for Iran’s nuclear program more difficult.
It is noteworthy that on February 28, the United States and Israel attacked various installations in Iran. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US allied countries and virtually closed the Strait of Hormuz, which is critically important for global shipping.
Subsequently, on April 8, both countries reached a preliminary ceasefire agreement, but in recent days, attacks and counter-attacks have re-emerged. In this context, the House vote is seen as a significant political message against the Trump administration’s war policy.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters at the White House before the vote, Trump claimed that discussions to end the war with Iran were “progressing very well” and that a deal could be reached this weekend. He stated that his administration seeks to end the conflict and is pursuing a solution through negotiations.