In a major blow to President Donald Trump, the U.S House of Representatives passed a resolution on Wednesday ordering the withdrawal of American troops from the Iran war.
The House passed the resolution with four members of Trump’s Republican Party joining the Democrats in voting 215-208. The resolution will later move to the Senate but would ultimately have to face a presidential veto.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats posted on X, “This is a loud and unambiguous message to Donald Trump on behalf of the American people: it’s time to end his deeply unpopular and illegal war of choice in Iran.”
This is the first time the Republican-majority House approved a resolution to force Trump to stop military operations in West Asia since the beginning of the war in February 28.
Democrats had accused Trump of violating the constitution by launching the joint operation with Israel against Iran without authorisation from the Congress.
According to the War Powers Act, presidents need to obtain congressional approval within 60 days after commencing military operations. As the deadline passed weeks ago, the opposition accuses Trump of breaking the law.
However, the White House argues that the ceasefire declared in April put a pause on the countdown.
The Trump administration continues to insist that the war is already over. However, both sides continue to exchange fire amid the fragile ceasefire and stalled negotiations.
Washington said it shot down Iranian drones and carried out a strike on an Iranian ground control station in Qeshm Island whereas Tehran launched drones and missiles at its Gulf neighbours, including Kuwait and Bahrain.
Trump’s Republican supporters fear that the resolution would weaken the United States while Iran remains vulnerable. However, with November’s midterm election around the corner, many anticipate a shift in public opinion due to the aftermath of the war.
