As President Donald Trump returned to Washington early from the G7 summit in Western Canada to meet with his National Security Council on the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, two House lawmakers were busy trying to drum up support for legislation to keep the United States out of it. Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky are leading a War Powers Resolution aimed at keeping U.S. forces out of the conflict.
What does the House resolution call for?
“No war in Iran,” Khanna posted on X. “It’s time for every member to go on record. Are you with the neocons who led us into Iraq or do you stand with the American people? I am proud to co-lead this bi-partisan War Powers Resolution with Rep. Massie that is privileged and must receive a vote.”
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Two House members are sponsoring bipartisan legislation aimed at keeping the U.S. out of the conflict between Israel and Iran. It would require Congress to explicitly authorize any U.S. involvement.
Massie echoed the sentiment, writing, “This is not our war. But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution. I’m introducing a bipartisan War Powers Resolution… to prohibit our involvement. I invite all members of Congress to cosponsor this resolution.”
What is Trump saying about Iran?
While Congress debates the path forward, Trump appears to be weighing his next move.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One early Tuesday, Trump said bluntly: “I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate” with Iran.
He also posted on his Truth Social that Iran missed its window to negotiate peace and urged people to flee the Iranian capital.
“Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Trump wrote.
In an earlier post, the president denied reports that peace talks were underway, saying: “I have not reached out to Iran for ‘Peace Talks’ in any way, shape, or form. This is just more HIGHLY FABRICATED FAKE NEWS.”
Senate joins the effort with its own resolution
Across the Capitol, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia has introduced a similar War Powers Resolution in the Senate titled Resolution to Prevent War with Iran. As Straight Arrow News reported Monday, June 16, the measure raises concern about the “escalating violence in the Middle East and its potential to pull the U.S. into the conflict.”
“It is not in our national security interest to get into a war with Iran unless that war is absolutely necessary to defend the United States,” Kaine said in a statement announcing the resolution. “I am deeply concerned that the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran could quickly pull the United States into another endless conflict.”
Like the House version, Kaine’s resolution is also privileged, requiring a timely vote. He emphasized that under the Constitution, only Congress has the power to declare war, and that any use of military force against Iran must come through a formal declaration or specific authorization.
White House response
Late Monday night, White House Deputy Assistant Alex Pfeiffer posted on X, saying U.S. forces remain in a defensive posture and have not conducted offensive strikes on Iran.
When asked by reporters what would be better than a ceasefire, Trump replied, “an end or [Iran] giving up entirely.”
