WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced a phased ceasefire between Iran and Israel Tuesday, declaring an “official END to THE 12 DAY WAR,” after a missile strike on Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar prompted fears of a wider conflict. A U.S. defense official said there were no American casualties and that the situation is being closely monitored.
The Iranian missile attack was seen by some analysts as symbolic, matching the number of U.S. bombs dropped on Iran over the weekend, possibly signaling an attempt to de-escalate.
In a statement on social media, Trump called Iran’s counterattack “very weak” and “successfully neutralized.” He followed with a message reading, “Congratulations world, it’s time for peace.”
The apparent de-escalation was met with cautious relief on Capitol Hill, where both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have expressed concern over U.S. entanglement in another war.
However, missile strikes between Israel and Iran reportedly continue despite the announced ceasefire, and the situation remains fluid.
In response to the unauthorized use of military force, three senior House Democrats introduced a War Powers Resolution on Tuesday. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, D-N.Y., Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., and Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., said the measure would order the withdrawal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless authorized by Congress.
“President Trump must not be allowed to start a war with Iran, or any country, without Congressional approval,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. “The president ordered strikes on Iran this past weekend without meaningful consultation or authorization.”
They warned that the administration has yet to present a coherent strategy or clear objective, criticizing Trump’s focus on “regime change” in social media posts.
“Without a coherent strategy for preventing Iran’s program from bouncing back, including through diplomacy, we risk further escalation,” the statement read. “Serious actions demand serious debate, not presidential impulse.”
The resolution would still allow U.S. forces to engage in defensive operations to protect the U.S. and its allies, including Israel, from imminent threats.
As global leaders and military analysts await confirmation on whether the ceasefire will hold, members of Congress continue to demand accountability and oversight before the U.S. enters another prolonged conflict.
GSV News Service
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