The US Congress was divided over President Donald Trump's war powers on Iran, after the House of Representatives passed a bill requiring any new military action to be approved by the legislative branch, before the Senate blocked a similar resolution proposed by Democrats to halt combat operations until Congress authorizes it.

The House voted 214-208 in favor of the resolution, with four Republicans joining Democrats in supporting it.

However, later on, the Senate blocked a similar measure, voting 49-47 against proceeding on a resolution proposed by Democrats aimed at stopping the war on Iran unless Congress grants authorization for the use of military force. The vote reflects ongoing division within Congress and growing concern even among some Republicans who support President Donald Trump regarding the course of the war.

Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal, who led the bill, said the war is proceeding 'without a clear mission, strategy, or ultimate goal.'

In contrast, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Republican Brian Mast defended military operations, and read the names of 18 US soldiers killed since the war began, saying that downplaying the mission detracts from their sacrifices.

The committee's senior Democrat, Gregory Meeks, said presidents are obligated to present war justifications to Congress, pointing out that the administration has not obtained authorization for the use of military force against Iran.

The previous day, the House passed a Republican budget framework worth $95 billion by a vote of 216-214, to be sent to the Senate. The measure allocates $73 billion to the Department of Defense (Pentagon) and intelligence agencies, mostly to fund operations related to the war against Iran, plus $12 billion to support farmers affected by the trade war, and $10 billion for election programs. The House also approved the annual defense policy bill authorizing a record Pentagon budget of $1.15 trillion.

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