As United States forces carried out their 13th consecutive night of airstrikes in Iran on July 24, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution directing President Donald Trump to halt military action without congressional approval, even as the Senate blocked a separate curb.
Congressional Clash Over War Powers and Funding
The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives backed a resolution on Thursday directing President Donald Trump to halt U.S. military action against Iran unless he obtains authorization from Congress. Hours later, however, the Senate voted to block a separate, similar measure.
Financial realities also loom over Capitol Hill. Al Jazeera reported that analysts view voting against Iran war funding as a tough sell for lawmakers, while the price tag for America’s military campaign has reached $110 billion.
Sanctions Target Financier Zanjani’s Network
While military operations continue, Washington expanded its economic pressure campaign. The United States imposed sanctions on nine firms and four individuals tied to the business network of sanctioned Iranian financier Babak Zanjani, according to Reuters reporting on Friday. The Treasury actions target attempts to evade existing restrictions as U.S. forces escalate their bombardment across Iran.
Meanwhile, the European Union announced its own punitive measures on Friday. The EU Council sanctioned five Iranian judges for alleged human rights violations, alongside a leading figure in a cyber group accused of helping the regime suppress information.
For more on this story, see Yemen Shuts Down All Airports After Military Strike Blocks Iranian Flight.
Straits Disrupted as Saudi Arabia Shifts Oil Routes
The military confrontation has severely impacted vital maritime energy corridors. With both the Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb straits disrupted by Iran and Iran-allied Houthi militants, Saudi Arabia has had to resort to exporting oil via Egypt’s Suez Canal, adding a month at sea and $2.5 million in costs for oil tankers fleeing the blocked waters, Reuters reported.
The shipping disruptions have drawn international concern. United Nations envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg expressed alarm over the Houthis’ Red Sea attacks on July 24, warning that further confrontation risks deepening the suffering of the Yemeni people and calling for immediate talks. Concurrently, Oman is holding discussions with Tehran regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Diplomatic Maneuvers and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Upcoming Visit
Amid the ongoing exchanges, diplomatic signals remain mixed. President Trump insisted that Tehran wants a deal while maintaining that the U.S. is locked and loaded
while pursuing talks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pushed back against external pressure, vowing on July 24, 2026, that Iran does not fear threats and will not succumb to pressures
.
Diplomatic coordination between Washington and its allies is set to intensify next week. According to a statement from the prime minister’s office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Washington on Monday to meet with President Trump on Tuesday amid the war escalation.
