The US House of Representatives approved a resolution overnight Wednesday demanding that US President Donald Trump withdraw American forces from the Iran region or secure congressional approval to continue the military campaign.
The vote passed by a majority of 215 in favor to 208 against, after four Republican lawmakers joined Democrats in backing the move.
The resolution has no binding legal force that would lead to the actual withdrawal of troops, since legislation of this kind requires the president's signature or a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress to override a presidential veto. Still, its approval is intended to exert political pressure on the president against the backdrop of the fourth month of the war.
War Powers Resolution
In April, as the 60-day mark approached since the launch of the American campaign against Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury, political tensions in Washington intensified over US President Donald Trump's authority to continue the fighting.
At the center of the dispute is the War Powers Act of 1973, under which the president is required to end military activity after 60 days unless Congress approves its continuation, or alternatively grants an extension of up to 30 days to allow for the safe withdrawal of forces.
