House Votes on Resolution to End U.S. Military Engagement in Iran

The U.S. House of Representatives prepared to vote on a resolution that directs President Trump to either withdraw American forces from Iran or seek Congressional approval to continue military operations. Previously scheduled for a vote in late May, Republican leaders had delayed the decision to avoid embarrassment. However, they have now run out of time to postpone further action.

Initially on track to pass in May, the resolution was removed from the floor by Republican leaders who feared an embarrassing defeat for the party and the president. Approval of this measure would be a significant criticism of President Trump’s management of the conflict. He has often rejected Congressional attempts to limit his authority, with the GOP typically deferring to him.

Republicans postponed the vote two weeks ago, acknowledging they lacked sufficient support to defeat the resolution. Since then, there has been little indication of progress in gaining support as the conflict continues with no resolution in sight. Democratic use of the War Powers Resolution means the GOP cannot delay the vote any further, as it requires timely consideration of such measures.

Last month, a similar resolution narrowly failed in a tie vote, with three House Republicans siding with Democrats, signaling increasing opposition to the engagement now in its fourth month. The impending vote highlights growing divisions between Republicans in Congress and the president, particularly as midterm elections approach. Recently, Senate Republicans compelled President Trump to retract his request for $1 billion in security funding for a ballroom project and a Justice Department plan to create a federal compensation fund for government victims.

Even with potential passage and Senate approval, the power of lawmakers to compel a president to withdraw troops remains legally contentious. President Trump and his aides consider Congressional efforts to limit war powers as unconstitutional. However, a Senate vote last month on a similar measure, featuring GOP defectors, signaled some party members’ willingness to pressure the president to end the conflict, regarded by a majority of Americans as unjustifiable.

Reporter Robert Jimison covers Congressional affairs for The Times, focusing on defense and foreign policy. Megan Mineiro is a Congressional reporter and part of the 2025-26 Times Fellowship program for early-career journalists.