The United States Senate has rejected a Democratic-led effort to curb President Donald Trump’s military operations against Iran, voting to block a war powers resolution aimed at requiring congressional approval before continuing hostilities.
Lawmakers voted 52–47 against advancing the measure, with most Republicans supporting the White House position. The vote comes more than six weeks after US and Israeli airstrikes were launched against Iran as part of an ongoing military campaign.
The resolution was the fourth attempt by Democrats to rein in presidential war powers since the conflict began, but all efforts have failed due to strong Republican opposition. Senator Rand Paul was the only Republican to support the measure, while Democratic Senator John Fetterman voted against it. One senator, Jim Justice, did not vote.
Republican lawmakers defended the administration’s actions, arguing that limited military operations fall within presidential authority as commander-in-chief. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch said critics of the resolution were effectively aligning with Iran, intensifying partisan divisions over the conflict.
Democrats, however, argued that Congress must reclaim its constitutional authority over decisions to go to war. Senator Jack Reed urged lawmakers to act before the conflict escalates further, warning of the risks of a prolonged and uncontrolled military engagement.
Public opinion in the United States remains divided. A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that a majority of Americans oppose strikes on Iran, although Republican voters largely support the policy.
President Trump has meanwhile suggested the conflict may be nearing its end, while diplomatic activity continues elsewhere, including efforts by Pakistan and other regional actors to mediate tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The House of Representatives is expected to review a similar war powers measure in the coming days.