The US Congress has approved a rare war powers measure urging President Donald Trump to halt military operations against Iran or seek congressional authorization before continuing the conflict, marking an unusual bipartisan rebuke of the White House's handling of the war.

The Republican-controlled Senate passed the concurrent resolution in a 50-48 vote on Tuesday after the House of Representatives approved the same measure earlier this month with support from a small group of Republicans.

Although the resolution is not legally binding and will not be sent to President Trump for approval, it represents the first time since the 1973 War Powers Resolution that both chambers of Congress have passed a measure directing a president to end an ongoing military action.

According to the BBC, the vote reflects growing concern among lawmakers over the prolonged conflict with Iran, which has entered its fifth month and faced increasing public criticism amid rising fuel prices and uncertainty over a recently announced ceasefire.

Trump dismissed the resolution as “poorly timed and meaningless,” arguing that it would complicate his administration’s efforts toward Iran. The White House also maintained that the April 7 ceasefire means there are currently no active hostilities requiring the withdrawal of US forces.

The measure adds political pressure on the administration to pursue a lasting end to the conflict, despite lacking the force of law.

BOB Post