The US House of Representatives voted for a resolution to limit US President Donald Trump’s military powers in the conflict with Iran. The text adopted yesterday with the majority of opposition Democrats calls on Trump to end military action against Tehran. However, the resolution has no legal force and is therefore primarily symbolic.
The text, adopted with 224 to 194 votes – a reaction to the targeted killing of Iranian general Kassem Soleimani a week ago – is intended to prevent the conflict with Tehran from escalating further. The resolution calls on the president to „end the use of the US armed forces in hostilities in Iran or against Iran or against part of its government or its armed forces“.
A continuation of the mission should only be possible with the approval of the congress. However, the text also provides for exceptions, such as an impending attack against the United States or the U.S. Army.
NATO examines „different options“
NATO has also responded to recent developments in the Middle East. Specifically, the transatlantic military alliance will now examine „different options“ in response to Trump’s call for greater engagement in the Middle East.
As NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said yesterday, a quick decision is not expected. Coordination with NATO members and partners in the region must first take place. Stoltenberg also stressed that the „best way“ to act effectively against international terrorism is to train local security forces.
