How could the new US Congress bring about an end to the war with Iran? - explainer

The new US Congress, controlled by Democrats after the November 2026 elections, can pressure President Donald Trump to end the eight-month war with Iran through budget restrictions, war powers resolutions, and oversight. Trump is expected to veto any measure, requiring two-thirds majorities to override. A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows 71% of Americans want Congress to end the conflict.

The American public wants the unpopular eight-month-long war on Iran to end, and showed it by handing President Donald Trump's Republicans a resounding defeat in last week's congressional elections. Trump acknowledged that unhappiness about the conflict contributed to his party's losses, but defends the war, insisting he has won it and saying it will continue. Congress cannot unilaterally end the war, but can pressure the president to do so. Lawmakers in the new Congress, scheduled to be sworn in on January 3, can push to end the fighting through budget restrictions, war powers resolutions, and oversight. Trump has asked for a huge increase in the defense budget from about $950 billion to $1.5 trillion, plus an additional $67 billion for the war. Democrats say they will not approve such a massive budget and have proposed cutting off funding. The current government funding bill expires on December 11. Trump is expected to veto any measure to stop the fighting, and it takes two-thirds majorities in both chambers to override a veto. A Reuters/Ipsos poll this month showed 71% of Americans want Congress to pass legislation ending the conflict.