US Senate Rejects Bipartisan Resolution to Limit Trump’s War Powers in Iran Amid Ongoing Strikes
A bipartisan resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military operations in Iran has failed in the US Senate, clearing the path for continued US involvement in the escalating conflict.
The measure was defeated in a 53-47 vote that largely followed party lines. It would have required congressional approval for any further US military action against Iran, effectively halting operations without explicit legislative backing.
Democrats argued that Trump has repeatedly sidelined Congress and provided inconsistent justifications for the war. Most Republicans opposed the resolution, though some indicated they might reconsider if the conflict widens in the coming weeks.
The strikes, carried out in coordination with Israel, began on Saturday and have targeted Iranian sites. Iran has retaliated with attacks on Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf. With no clear resolution in sight, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth estimated the war could last up to eight weeks nearly twice the timeframe initially suggested by Trump.
Two senators broke ranks in the vote: Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted against the measure, while Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky supported it.
Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who voted no, said passing the legislation would send the wrong signal to Iran and US troops. “At this juncture, providing unequivocal support to our service members is critically important, as is ongoing consultation by the administration with Congress,” she stated.
Before the vote, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticised Trump’s approach. “Do you stand with the American people who are exhausted with forever wars in the Middle East or stand with Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth as they bumble us headfirst into another war?” he asked.
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for a vote on Thursday, where it faces significant challenges in passing.
Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, passed to limit presidential authority after Vietnam, Congress must be notified within 48 hours of military action and authorise force within 60 days. Since 2001, administrations have often relied on the post-9/11 Authorization for Use of Military Force for Middle East operations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the administration’s compliance, noting that top congressional leaders were briefed before the strikes and Trump sent a formal letter to Congress on Monday. Rubio argued that no presidency Republican or Democratic has fully accepted the War Powers Act as constitutional.
Trump has authorised military actions without congressional approval in the past, including strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last year and the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro in January.
As fighting intensifies, concerns grow over humanitarian impacts and the potential for broader regional instability. The United Nations and several world leaders have called for immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.
