Congress Fails to Limit Trump’s Iran War Powers Amid Signals of Renewed Conflict

The U.S. House of Representatives has narrowly failed to pass a war-powers resolution intended to restrict President Donald Trump’s military operations against Iran. The vote ended in a 212–212 tie, marking the third such attempt this year to rein in executive authority after the conflict surpassed a 60-day congressional authorization deadline on May 1. Efforts in the Senate also remain stalled following a 50–49 vote on Wednesday that failed to advance a similar measure, despite three Republicans joining the Democratic caucus. President Trump indicated via social media that the current military campaign may not be finished, stating the "military decimation of Iran" is "to be continued" after his return from an official trip to China. Simultaneously, Vice President JD Vance offered a diplomatic perspective, noting that the administration is "making progress" in negotiations. Vance reiterated that the administration’s primary "red line" remains ensuring that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon, leaving the door open for a negotiated settlement if security requirements are met. On the regional front, the conflict continues to play out through proxy engagements in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah reportedly conducted 17 military operations against Israeli forces on Wednesday, utilizing drones, missiles, and artillery. While diplomatic efforts are underway in Lebanon, talks remain deadlocked as Israel demands the disarmament of Hezbollah—a condition the group has rejected—while Lebanon seeks the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from its southern territory.