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The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution seeking to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to continue military operations against Iran without congressional approval.
The war powers resolution passed 220-204 on Tuesday night, with seven Republicans joining Democrats in support. It was the third time the House has moved to curb Trump’s authority over the Iran conflict.
The measure aims to prevent the administration from continuing a prolonged military campaign without congressional authorisation. However, passage by the House does not mean the war will end. If the resolution reaches the president, Trump could veto it.
Iowa Republican Zachary Nunn said prolonged military action following failed negotiations should require congressional approval, adding that he did not support an “indefinite war”.
Republican Brian Mast, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Iran remained a threat to the United States and argued against reducing US military capabilities in the Middle East.
The United States launched military operations against Iran on February 28. The nearly seven-month-old conflict has also emerged as a major issue ahead of the November midterm elections.
According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the Pentagon had spent about $38 billion on the conflict through August 1. The cost could rise by about $3 billion a month if the war continues.
The CBO also said disruptions to fuel supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea have increased inflationary pressures. It estimated that inflation in the first quarter of 2027 could be 0.5 percentage point higher than previously forecast.
