WASHINGTON, United States: The US House approved an Iran war powers resolution directing President Donald Trump to halt hostilities without congressional authorisation, but the Senate blocked a similar measure hours later.
The Republican-led House passed the resolution by a vote of 214 to 208. Four Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the measure introduced by Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington.
The Senate later voted 49-47 to block its own war powers proposal. Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine supported the resolution, while Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania opposed it.
The House measure directed Trump to withdraw US forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised the military action.
Republicans Tom Barrett of Michigan, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Warren Davidson of Ohio and Thomas Massie of Kentucky voted with Democrats in the House.
The measure remained largely symbolic because the Senate rejected its version and the White House opposed congressional efforts to restrict the campaign.
Jayapal said after the vote that lawmakers from both parties increasingly questioned the conflict’s legality, military casualties and impact on fuel costs.
Republican Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana opposed the measure, arguing that it would weaken the president during an active conflict and benefit Iran.
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The US Constitution gives Congress the authority to approve the use of military force, although presidents have repeatedly ordered limited operations without prior authorisation, citing immediate threats.
Trump has announced an expansion of attacks on Iran as hostilities have intensified across the Middle East, including strikes involving US bases and commercial shipping routes.
