QtrendsHouse passes resolution to curb Trump's Iran war powers
The US House of Representatives passed a bipartisan Iran war powers resolution, delivering one of the strongest congressional rebukes of Donald Trump's presidency. The measure would require Trump to seek congressional approval before launching military action against Iran. Supporters framed it as a constitutional check on executive war-making authority. The vote signals growing unease among members of Trump's own party over his approach to Iran.
President Trump declined to commit to permanently eliminating the $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" payout fund, despite pressure from Republican lawmakers. The fund, which compensates victims of alleged US weaponized government actions, has become a flashpoint within the GOP. Trump was quoted saying
Ukrainian drones struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg on the same day the city opened its annual economic forum, often called "Putin's Davos." The strike marks one of the deepest Ukrainian attacks on Russian soil since the war began and is a symbolic blow to President Putin's attempt to project normalcy. The attack hit fuel infrastructure near Russia's second-largest city, hundreds of miles from the front lines. Western officials say Ukraine is increasingly targeting economic and energy assets deep inside Russia.
After the recent US-China reset, both President Trump and President Putin are set to visit Beijing, underscoring China's emergence as a central hub for great-power diplomacy. Trump's visit follows a thaw in Sino-American relations, while Putin's trip aims to refresh the Sino-Russian strategic partnership. Analysts suggest China is positioning itself as a mediator and convening power between the two rival blocs. The back-to-back visits highlight Beijing's unique leverage in an increasingly multipolar world.