Washington: In a historic move, the U.S. Senate has approved a War Powers Resolution aimed at restricting President Donald Trump from continuing military action against Iran without congressional authorization. The measure passed by a narrow 50-48 vote, marking the first time since the 1973 War Powers Act that both chambers of Congress have approved a resolution directing a president to end hostilities.
The resolution received bipartisan support, with Republican senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Bill Cassidy, and Rand Paul joining most Democrats in backing the measure. Democratic Senator John Fetterman was the lone member of his party to vote against it.
The legislation seeks to reaffirm Congress’s constitutional authority over declarations of war and would require the president to obtain congressional approval before engaging in further military operations against Iran. Lawmakers backing the resolution argued that prolonged military involvement should not continue without explicit authorization from Congress.
While the resolution is largely symbolic and does not require the president’s signature, it represents a significant political setback for Trump and reflects growing concern among lawmakers over the conflict. The White House has argued that the measure is not constitutionally binding and maintains that hostilities effectively ended following a ceasefire agreement earlier this year.
The vote comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, where negotiators are working toward a broader peace agreement covering nuclear issues, sanctions relief, maritime security and regional stability. Analysts say congressional unease over the conflict has increased as public support for the war has weakened.
Senate Democratic leaders described the vote as a reaffirmation of Congress’s role in matters of war and peace, while supporters of the president argued that limiting executive authority could weaken America’s negotiating position during sensitive diplomatic talks.
Although the immediate practical impact of the resolution remains uncertain, the vote highlights growing bipartisan scrutiny of U.S. military involvement in Iran and signals a renewed debate in Washington over the balance of power between Congress and the presidency in foreign policy decisions.
