# Seven Republicans break with Trump on Iran war powers

> A bipartisan House vote passed a resolution to limit Trump's military operations in Iran, defying the White House.
- Title: Seven Republicans break with Trump on Iran war powers
- Summary: A bipartisan House vote passed a resolution to limit Trump's military operations in Iran, defying the White House. Seven House Republicans joined Democrats…
- Keywords: donald trump, iran, war powers resolution, house of representatives, tom barrett, thomas massie, seth moulton, pete hegseth, republicans, democrats, congress, military operations
- Source: Fox News — https://foxnews.com/politics/republicans-rebel-against-trump-vote-dems-rein-iran-war-powers
- Author: Elizabeth Elkind
- Published: 2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: donald trump, iran, war powers resolution, house of representatives, tom barrett, thomas massie, seth moulton, pete hegseth, republicans, democrats, congress, military operations
## Seven Republicans defy Trump
Seven House Republicans joined all 213 voting Democrats to pass a war powers resolution 220 to 204, aimed at reining in Trump's military operations in Iran.
## The 60-day limit expired
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 allows presidents to engage forces for 60 days without congressional authorization. Supporters say that period has already expired.

> I've been consistent on that since the war powers provision expired after 60 days of engagement.
## Trump defends his authority
The Trump administration argues the president is acting within his constitutional authority as commander in chief and needs flexibility to protect U.S. forces and national security.
## Iran war divides the GOP
The conflict has become a political lightning rod, dividing Republicans and providing fodder for Democrats who accuse Trump of starting another forever war.
## Massie pushes Hegseth impeachment
The Iran war pushed Rep. Thomas Massie, a well-known critic of Trump's foreign entanglements, to try forcing a vote on impeaching Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
## Presidential veto likely coming
The Senate passed a similar resolution in June with Republican defections. Trump opposes the legislation and would likely veto it if it reaches his desk.
## Key takeaway

Seven House Republicans joined Democrats to pass a war powers resolution limiting Trump's Iran operations, though a presidential veto is likely.