The U.S. House of Representatives has narrowly voted to block an effort to rein in Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military operations against Iran.
In a razor-thin vote of 214 to 213 on Thursday (16 April), lawmakers rejected a Democratic-led war powers resolution that would have required the president to halt military action unless Congress formally authorised it.
The outcome came just a day after a similar proposal failed in the Senate, dealing another blow to Democrats seeking a greater say over U.S. involvement in the Middle East.
The measure, brought under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, aimed to reassert Congress’s constitutional role in declaring war. Democrats argue that the U.S. Constitution is clear: only Congress has the authority to take the country into war.
Yet, as has often been the case across modern presidencies, the White House and most Republicans insist that the commander-in-chief retains the power to order limited military action, particularly when national security is at stake.
They maintain that Trump’s actions - part of a campaign launched alongside Israel on 28 February - are lawful and necessary to protect U.S. interests.
The vote largely followed party lines. Almost every Republican opposed the resolution, with just one breaking ranks and another abstaining. One Democrat voted against it.
Despite some unease within Republican ranks over the cost and trajectory of the conflict, party support for the president has held firm more than six weeks into the fighting.
Still, anxiety is growing on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers from both sides are increasingly wary of the war’s mounting financial burden, its uncertain objectives and the possibility of a wider regional escalation.
Speaking ahead of the vote, senior Democrat Gregory Meeks struck a stark tone: “We are standing at the edge of a cliff, and Congress must act before this president pushes us off. Every day we delay, we inch closer to a conflict with no exit ramp.”
Questions over the cost of the war have only added to concerns. At recent hearings, White House budget director Russ Vought declined to provide a clear estimate, and did not confirm suggestions from Senator Jeff Merkley that the price tag may already have reached $50 billion.
Although the resolution failed, Democrats say the effort is far from futile. Forcing votes, they argue, puts lawmakers on record and keeps pressure on the administration.
With Democratic leaders in both the House and Senate pledging to bring the issue back again, the battle over who controls America’s war powers looks set to continue – even as the conflict itself shows no clear sign of ending.
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At least 11 people were killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday, among the deadliest since a June ceasefire. Meanwhile, Qatar denied holding Iranian pilots. It said it had found the remains of one pilot after an airspace violation and had contacted Iran to coordinate a handover.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is not seeking an extension of its memorandum of understanding with Iran, claiming the U.S. already controls the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Monday it was reviewing U.S. President Donald Trump's comments on scaling back joint military drills. It added that it hoped a favourable relationship between Washington and Pyongyang could lead to meaningful talks.
Residents of villages in eastern Indonesia hit by a deadly earthquake that killed at least 54 people were awaiting aid on Monday as rescuers prepared to comb through collapsed buildings in search of people trapped beneath the rubble.
Britain will continue to support Ukraine “100 per cent” against Russia’s invasion, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Tuesday, after Moscow warned London of consequences over reports that British-made drones had been used in strikes on Russian territory.
Russia has summoned Japan’s ambassador to Moscow and delivered a strong protest over what it called “anti-Russian” remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi concerning four disputed islands.
Pakistan is turning to more U.S. crude as disruption around the Strait of Hormuz exposes the risks of its heavy reliance on Gulf energy supplies.
U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Xavier Brunson visited South Korea's Defence Ministry on Tuesday to discuss plans to scale back the joint Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise, according to media reports.
European countries are stepping up investment in drones and counter-drone technology as unmanned systems reshape modern warfare, driving demand for new production and capabilities across the continent.
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