Trump loses vote on Iran war; Israel, Lebanon agree to ceasefire

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a resolution aimed at preventing President Donald Trump from engaging in further military action against Iran without explicit congressional authorization. The vote, which saw 215 representatives in favor and 208 against, included four Republicans who sided with Democrats. This resolution, concerning war powers, mandates Trump to withdraw troops from Iran unless Congress formally declares war or approves the use of armed forces.

While the vote carries significant symbolic weight, reflecting unease among some Republicans regarding Trump's Iran policy, its practical impact remains limited. For the resolution to become law, it must also pass the Senate. Furthermore, legal questions persist regarding the constitutionality of such war powers resolutions, even with congressional backing. This rare bipartisan effort to curb presidential war-making authority comes amidst the ongoing conflict with Iran.

In parallel developments, Israel and Lebanon have reportedly agreed to a ceasefire, brokered by the United States. The agreement is conditional on the withdrawal of Hezbollah fighters from the southern Litani sector of Lebanon and an end to attacks targeting Israel. According to a statement, both sides have agreed to immediately begin establishing pilot zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces would assume exclusive control, excluding non-state actors.

These de-escalation efforts follow recent hostilities, including Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon that resulted in at least six deaths, and an attack on a vehicle in Beirut. The Israeli prime minister had previously ordered strikes on densely populated Beirut suburbs, prompting Iran to suspend ceasefire negotiations with the U.S.