Trump Criticizes Fellow Republicans Over Iran War Restrictions

US President Donald Trump has issued a statement criticizing lawmakers who voted in favor of a resolution aimed at limiting his ability to wage war with Iran. The US House of Representatives passed the measure on Wednesday by a vote of 215 to 208, with four Republicans joining Democrats to secure its passage.

The resolution, which had previously failed three times in the chamber, aims to restrict Trump’s war-making authority without further congressional approval. Trump stated that lawmakers who voted for the resolution are “unpatriotic” and expressed his disappointment on his online platform Truth Social.

Trump has been engaged in negotiations with Iran to end the ongoing conflict, but efforts have stalled. The sticking points include the future of Iran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway. Trump has reported that a deal could be reached by this weekend.

Four Republicans who voted for the resolution, including Kentucky’s Thomas Massie, Michigan’s Tom Barrett, Ohio’s Warren Davidson, and Pennsylvania’s Brian Fitzpatrick, have been singled out by Trump as “grandstanders” who should be ashamed of themselves.

The vote has sparked calls from advocates to urge the Senate to advance the measure. The US Constitution restricts the president’s ability to wage war, and the War Powers Act of 1973 constrains the president from continuing unapproved military action beyond 60 days. Some have pointed out that a majority of US voters, including a growing number of Republicans, oppose the war.

The resolution remains largely symbolic, as it would need to pass in the Republican-controlled Senate before it could be signed into law. Trump is expected to veto the measure, and both chambers would need to override such a veto with a two-thirds vote.

Source: Al Jazeera