Something shifted in the transatlantic axis last night. For the first time in modern memory, a UK-backed war powers resolution has cleared both chambers of the US Congress. The bill, which curbs Donald Trump's ability to launch military action against Iran without explicit congressional approval, passed the House 227-186 and the Senate 57-43.
The votes were a direct rebuke to the president. More than a dozen Republicans crossed the aisle. The White House has already threatened a veto, but the margin in the Senate is veto-proof.
This is not a coincidence. Downing Street has been quietly lobbying for this for months. The PM's national security adviser, Sir Mark Sedwill, made three trips to Washington in the last year.
The message was clear: unilateral strikes on Iran destabilise the Gulf, threaten British interests, and embarrass our allies. The Foreign Office has been feeding intelligence to sympathetic senators. Senator Tim Kaine, the bill's lead sponsor, has been in regular contact with his UK counterparts.
He cited 'intelligence briefings from a trusted ally' in his floor speech. The White House is furious. Sources inside the administration say Trump felt 'ambushed' by the British.
This is a massive win for the UK. It proves we still have pull on Capitol Hill. But there are risks.
Mike Pompeo has already cancelled a planned meeting with the Foreign Secretary. The special relationship is now a pressure cooker. For now, the hawks are on the back foot.
The War Powers Act of 1973 now has real teeth. And British soft power just scored a hard victory.
