U.S. House Rejects Bid to Limit Trump’s Iran War Powers; Nuclear Talks Stall

The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives has narrowly rejected a bid to rein in President Donald Trump’s authority regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran. The vote, decided by a single-point margin, preserves the administration’s broad ability to maneuver militarily without new congressional constraints. This domestic political victory for the White House coincides with intensifying scrutiny of military leadership, as CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper faced questioning from lawmakers regarding the endgame of 'Operation Epic Fury' and current U.S. troop posture in the region. On the diplomatic front, Vice President JD Vance stated on Wednesday that progress is being made in negotiations, emphasizing that any potential deal must align with the President's 'red line' preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. However, primary reports suggest a breakthrough remains elusive, with President Trump reportedly rejecting Tehran’s most recent proposal. Meanwhile, tensions in the maritime sector continue to center on the Strait of Hormuz, where previous Iranian offers to lift blockades in exchange for postponing nuclear discussions appear to have stalled under the threat of renewed U.S. kinetic action. Regional stability remains precarious as proxy activity escalates in southern Lebanon. Iranian state media reported that Hezbollah conducted 17 distinct operations against Israeli military targets on Wednesday, involving drone strikes, missiles, and artillery. While these reports of hardware destruction remain unverified, they underscore the volatility of the theater as Israel and Lebanon prepare for renewed talks in Washington ahead of a ceasefire expiration.