A group of progressive Democrats is joining forces with conservative Republicans to try and block President Donald Trump from pulling the U.S. into the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran a war that erupted last Friday when Israel launched deadly airstrikes on Iranian military officials, just ahead of planned nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran.
The bipartisan push is centered on a new War Powers Resolution being introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and co-led by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.). Massie, known for bucking his party on foreign policy, announced the move Monday on X (formerly Twitter), declaring, “This is not our war. But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.”
He added, “I’m introducing a bipartisan War Powers Resolution tomorrow to prohibit our involvement. I invite all members of Congress to co-sponsor this resolution.”
The measure quickly drew backing from high-profile progressive lawmakers. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) signaled her support by reposting Massie’s announcement with a brief, “Signing on.” Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) added her endorsement and warned that any unauthorized military action would be illegal under U.S. law. “Trump cannot go to war without Congressional approval,” she posted. “We were misled about WMDs in Iraq, and we’re not falling for it again.”
Rep. Khanna emphasized the need for accountability, saying, “No war in Iran. Every member of Congress should go on record. Are you with the warmongers who led us into Iraq, or are you standing with the American people?” He noted the resolution is privileged, which forces a vote on the House floor.
Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) also expressed his support for the resolution, signaling that the effort could attract wider backing across both parties.
The conflict between Israel and Iran ignited in dramatic fashion late last week when Israeli forces conducted precision strikes that killed senior Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists. The air assault came just two days before Trump administration officials were scheduled to resume denuclearization talks with Iran talks now likely derailed by the violence.
This congressional action reflects deepening skepticism among lawmakers about rushing into another military engagement without clear justification or approval from Congress. The resolution marks one of the first major bipartisan legislative responses to the threat of U.S. intervention in the unfolding Middle East conflict.
