The US House of Representatives has narrowly approved a resolution calling for congressional authorization before further American military action against Iran, marking the second time lawmakers have backed such a measure amid the escalating conflict.
The resolution passed Thursday by a 214-208 vote, with a small group of Republicans joining Democrats. The Senate was expected to consider a similar proposal later in the day.
Although the measure is largely symbolic and unlikely to become law, supporters say it reflects growing concern in Congress over the Trump administration's handling of the war and the absence of a clearly defined strategy.
Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal, who led the resolution in the House, said the conflict has continued without "a clear mission, strategy or end goal."
Most Republicans opposed the measure, arguing the president should retain broad authority to direct military operations. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast defended the campaign, saying it was aimed at holding Iran accountable for attacks that had claimed American lives and cautioned against diminishing the sacrifices of US service members killed during the conflict.
Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, countered that military action should not proceed without congressional approval, arguing lawmakers deserve a full explanation of the administration's objectives.
President Donald Trump has maintained that the continued airstrikes do not represent a return to a prolonged war. Following the first House vote on the issue in June, he dismissed the resolution as "meaningless" and criticized Republicans who supported it.
The debate comes as US airstrikes continue and diplomatic efforts have shown little visible progress. Tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments, remain unresolved, contributing to higher fuel prices and concerns about broader economic consequences.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently told lawmakers that the United States has spent an estimated $37.5 billion on the conflict so far.
The issue has also exposed divisions within the Republican Party. While many GOP lawmakers have publicly backed Trump's approach, some have privately questioned the duration and objectives of the campaign. Trump has previously criticized Republicans who voted in favor of limiting his war powers, calling them disloyal.
Recent opinion polls suggest the conflict has limited public support. Surveys indicate that a majority of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of the war, with many unconvinced that military action and ongoing negotiations will prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Even among Republican voters, a significant minority remains skeptical about the war's objectives and outcome.