US House of Representatives backs resolution on presidential powers regarding Iran

(Patria) – The US House of Representatives on Thursday backed a proposal to prevent the US president from further military action against Iran without congressional approval.

The resolution was supported by 224 members versus 194 who were against it in the majority-Democratic House. This measure revokes the US president's authority and right to use US military forces against Iran without the approval of the US Congress.

The resolution has been sent to the Senate for a decision, where Trump's Republican Party holds the majority.

A White House spokesperson called the House initiative 'pointless' and politically motivated, as it could 'undermine the ability of the US to protect American citizens whom Iran continues to threaten'.

Recall, after the killing of Iranian General Soleimani and the manifestation of a massive wave of anger in Iran and Iraq, Iran's military response followed – the shelling of two military bases in Iraq where US troops are stationed.

While the Middle East fears an escalation of the long-standing conflict, and the world fears the 'spillover' of the conflict from the region, the two sides continue to exchange warnings and threats. However, the next moves of both sides are uncertain – Trump stated that new sanctions have been imposed on Iran and that the US has an 'excellent military' due to which they do not fear any potential new attacks.

Trump also called for the current 2015 nuclear deal with Iran to be replaced with a new one, and Iran's ambassador to the UN, Majid Takht Ravanchi, responded by saying he cannot trust the proposal for dialogue as long as economic sanctions against Iran are in place, Reuters reports.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard issued new warnings to Washington about 'even harsher imminent revenge', and that the missiles fired on Wednesday are just the beginning of a series of attacks across the region. General Esmail Ghaani, who took over the Quds Force after Soleimani's death, also spoke, saying he will continue to work in the direction set by his predecessor.

This stance is somewhat contrary to the comments of Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, who said on Wednesday that Tehran does not want an escalation of the conflict.

Analysts believe that Trump does not want a military conflict in an election year, and that Iran does not want a direct confrontation with the far superior US forces.

- We do not expect further direct attacks from Iran. There is a greater possibility of indirect attacks through proxies, claims Ali Alfoneh from the Arab Gulf Institute in Washington, adding that there is a possibility for negotiations because 'the Trump administration does not want to give the impression that it is seeking war, while Iran needs economic aid due to the pressure of sanctions', Reuters reports.