The United States House of Representatives approved on Wednesday night (3) a war powers resolution intended for halt American military action against Iranin a political setback to President Donald Trump. The measure was approved by 215 votes to 208, with support from four Republicans who joined the Democrats, despite the president states that Congress is trying to limit his actions “in the middle of final negotiations” to end the conflict.
The text still needs to pass the Senate and faces uncertainty about its effectiveness, as Trump must veto any attempt by Congress to restrict his authority as commander in chief of the Armed Forces. Still, the vote represents a sign of growing discomfort in Congress with the conflict, which began three months ago.
In a publication on Truth Social this Thursday morning (4), Trump classified the vote as “meaningless” and criticized the four Republicans who supported the measure. According to him, the parliamentarians acted “in the middle of the final negotiations” to end the war with Iran. The president also stated that the Democrats are driven by “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and accused dissident Republicans of seeking only “spotlight.”
The vote comes amid increased criticism of the White House’s strategy in the Middle East. Trump had campaigned promising to reduce US involvement in foreign conflictsbut the war with Iran returned the region to the center of American foreign policy.
Reflections of war
Since the US joined Israel in attacking Iran on February 28, the conflict caused turbulence in energy markets. Tehran has managed to partially stop navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Trump is working with allies to fully reopen the maritime passage and resume commercial flow. Although a ceasefire was announced in April, clashes and negotiations for a lasting agreement remain unstable.
During a hearing in the Chamber, Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, criticized the resolution. According to him, its approval could lead the Iranians to conclude that the government’s “hands will be tied”, reducing incentives for a diplomatic agreement.
