US President Donald Trump has strongly criticised a vote in the House of Representatives aimed at ending American military involvement in the conflict with Iran, describing the move as “unpatriotic” and accusing lawmakers of undermining ongoing negotiations with Tehran.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, Trump said the vote occurred “right in the middle” of efforts to secure an agreement to end the war with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“Who would do such an unpatriotic thing? They know where the negotiations stand,” the president wrote.
The House on Wednesday approved a measure seeking to compel the withdrawal of US forces from the conflict by a narrow 215-208 margin. The resolution received support from Democrats as well as four Republican lawmakers, marking a rare break from the president by members of his own party.
Although the measure now heads to the Senate, it is largely symbolic and is expected to face a presidential veto if it reaches Trump’s desk.
The vote represents the first time the Republican-controlled House has approved legislation aimed at restricting the administration’s military operations against Iran since the conflict began three months ago.
Democrats have argued that Trump violated constitutional requirements by authorising military strikes against Iran in coordination with Israel in late February without first obtaining congressional approval.
They contend that the president has exceeded the authority granted under the War Powers Act, which requires congressional authorisation within 60 days of committing US forces to hostilities. According to critics, that deadline has already passed.
Responding to the vote, Trump accused Democrats of prioritising political opposition over national interests.
“(Democrats) would rather have our Country fail than give me another, of many, victories,” he said.
The president also reserved criticism for the four Republicans who supported the measure, dismissing them as “grandstanders” and saying they “should be ashamed of themselves.”
The development highlights growing debate in Washington over the scope of presidential war powers and the future of US involvement in the conflict with Iran, even as the administration says diplomatic efforts to end hostilities remain ongoing.
