The US Senate has approved a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's authority to continue hostilities against Iran, delivering a symbolic rebuke over a conflict that has lost public support. The measure passed by a 50-48 vote, with four Republicans joining Democrats in favour.
The resolution, which previously cleared the House of Representatives, would require the president to seek congressional authorisation for any use of military force against Iran. It follows Trump's decision to send JD Vance to Switzerland for negotiations to resolve the conflict that began alongside Israel in February.
Four Republican senators—Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Bill Cassidy and Rand Paul—broke party lines to support the measure. The sole Democrat voting against was John Fetterman. The absences of Republicans Dave McCormick and Mitch McConnell, the latter hospitalised, enabled the passage.
While the resolution does not require the president's signature and faces constitutional challenges from Trump and his allies, its success highlights growing discontent among Republicans over the war's unpopularity ahead of midterm elections. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found only 23% of Americans believe the US is stronger because of the war, and nearly two-thirds doubt any truce with Iran will last.
Democratic minority leader Chuck Schumer called the conflict 'one of the worst foreign policy forays America has ever made,' citing rising costs, the loss of 13 service members, and hundreds wounded. House foreign affairs committee Democrat Greg Meeks, who sponsored the resolution, vowed to 'explore all legal avenues' to ensure compliance, stating Congress never authorised the war.
