The United States House of Representatives has passed a war powers resolution aimed at limiting continued American military involvement in Iran, marking the first time lawmakers have approved such a measure during the ongoing conflict.
The resolution passed on Wednesday with a 215-208 vote, as a small group of Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the move despite opposition from President Donald Trump.
The vote comes after months of military confrontation between Washington and Tehran, a conflict that has sparked political divisions in the US and raised concerns over its economic impact.
Leading the effort was Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
“Enough is enough,” Meeks said.
“It is time for the president to do the right thing. The people are tired of suffering because of his war of choice — suffering at the gas pump, suffering at the supermarkets.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson had previously attempted to delay consideration of the resolution, but opposition to the conflict reportedly continued to grow as peace negotiations stalled.
Although the resolution does not immediately end military operations, it represents a significant political challenge to Trump’s handling of the conflict. The president is expected to oppose any attempt by Congress to limit his authority as commander-in-chief.
The measure now heads to the Senate, where a similar proposal previously gained support from a handful of Republican lawmakers who broke ranks with the administration.
Lawmakers backing the resolution argue that the conflict has contributed to rising fuel prices and economic pressure on American households, particularly after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz affected global energy markets.
Johnson, however, defended the administration’s approach, insisting Trump remains focused on domestic priorities while also working with allies to restore commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.
“We’re working on that final piece,” Johnson said. “The entire world has an interest in the Strait of Hormuz being reopen for commerce. That what he’s working on.”
While a ceasefire was announced earlier this year, tensions have remained high as negotiations continue and fighting linked to Iran-backed groups in the region persists.
At a congressional hearing on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that passing the resolution could weaken Washington’s position in talks with Tehran.
He argued that Iranian leaders could interpret congressional action as a sign that the administration’s military options were being restricted.
“They would think we won’t be able to do anything to them, so why make a deal?” Rubio said.
The debate has reignited long-standing questions about war powers in the United States. While Congress holds constitutional authority to declare war, presidents traditionally exercise broad powers as commander-in-chief, often leading to disputes over where the balance of authority should lie.
If the Senate also approves the resolution, it could trigger a new legal battle over the limits of presidential military power.
