House Passes Resolution to End Iran War, Defying Trump

House lawmakers on Wednesday passed a resolution aimed at forcing President Trump to end the Iran War, delivering a win for Democrats and constitutional advocates who argue the conflict is illegal without explicit congressional approval.

The vote was 215-208. Four Republicans, Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Tom Barrett of Michigan, and Warren Davidson of Ohio, joined every Democrat in backing the measure.

The move is largely symbolic. Legal experts dispute whether the concurrent resolution carries the force of law, and Trump is expected to reject its authority even if the Senate passes it next.

Still, the vote marks a significant moment in the political fight over the Iran War, putting Congress on record opposing a conflict that has lasted more than three months with no clear end in sight. The war has also rattled global markets.

War critics in both chambers have tried repeatedly over the last three months to pass measures ending U.S. involvement, but were blocked by Trump’s GOP allies. The dynamic shifted last month when the Senate advanced its own war powers resolution. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., flipped to yes just days after Trump backed his defeat in Louisiana’s GOP primary. It remains unclear when the Senate will hold a final vote.

Wednesday’s vote was the fourth time House critics sought to end the war. The first three resolutions drew some Republican support, but not enough to overcome opposition from Trump’s allies. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and most Republicans have argued the conflict does not rise to the level of war and therefore does not require congressional approval.

GOP leaders have also warned that restricting Trump during the conflict would embolden Tehran’s Islamic regime and harm American security.

The Republican wall of opposition has eroded, however, as the conflict has grown more unpopular nationally. The shift is not among the GOP base, which still overwhelmingly supports the war. But independents have soured on the conflict as it drags on, a warning sign for vulnerable Republicans ahead of November’s midterms.