In a significant political setback for President Donald Trump, the US House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a resolution directing the withdrawal of American troops from the conflict with Iran.
The measure passed by a narrow 215-208 vote, with four Republicans joining Democrats in support. While the resolution now moves to the Senate, it is largely symbolic and would likely face a presidential veto even if it clears the upper chamber.
Reacting to the vote, Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee was quoted as saying by NDTV, "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."
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First major House rebuke since war began
The vote marks the first time the Republican-controlled House has approved a measure aimed at forcing Trump to scale back military operations against Tehran since the conflict began three months ago.
Democrats view the development as an important step in their effort to restore Congress's authority over decisions related to war and military action. A similar resolution had already cleared a key procedural hurdle in the Senate in late May. The Senate, where Republicans also hold a slim majority, could take up the measure this week, although party leaders may attempt to prevent a final vote.
HUGE WIN: House Democrats have successfully passed a War Powers Resolution to stop Trump’s war with Iran.
— Democrats (@TheDemocrats) June 3, 2026
Nearly every House Republican voted against it. pic.twitter.com/mgI1XEgPJX
Dispute over war powers
At the heart of the debate is whether the Trump administration had the legal authority to launch military strikes against Iran alongside Israel in late February without congressional approval.
Democrats argue that the administration violated the Constitution. They point to the War Powers Act, which requires presidents to secure congressional authorization within 60 days of introducing US forces into hostilities. According to them, that deadline has already passed.
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The White House rejects that interpretation, maintaining that an April ceasefire effectively paused the timeline. The administration has also argued that the conflict is already over, despite continued military exchanges and stalled peace efforts.
The House just passed the Iran War Powers Resolution 215 to 208. We should have done it 2 months ago when @RepThomasMassie and I proposed it. But now we are finally closer to bringing this disastrous war to an end. pic.twitter.com/sFJbUvMqxV
— Rep. Ro Khanna (@RepRoKhanna) June 3, 2026
Rising political pressure
Tensions remain high. Overnight, the US reported intercepting Iranian drones and striking an Iranian ground control station, while Iran launched drones and missiles toward several Gulf countries.
Although many Republicans continue to back Trump, divisions within the party have become more visible as the political costs of the conflict grow ahead of the November midterm elections.
