…As Senate approves war powers resolution
The United States Congress has, for the first time in decades, approved a war powers measure directing President Donald Trump to halt military involvement in Iran or seek formal approval from lawmakers before continuing military action.
The Republican-controlled Senate passed the resolution on Tuesday in a narrow 50-48 vote, with four Republican senators joining Democrats in support.
The House of Representatives had approved the same measure earlier this month.
Trump Dismisses Move
Although the resolution reflects the will of Congress, it is largely symbolic and does not have the force of law. Because it is a concurrent resolution, it will not be sent to Trump for signing or veto.
Trump swiftly dismissed the move, describing it as “poorly timed and meaningless.”
He argued that the vote made his efforts against Iran more difficult but insisted he would achieve his objectives regardless.
Growing Pressure Over Iran Conflict
The congressional action comes amid growing unease among lawmakers over the nearly five-month conflict with Iran and concerns about its economic impact, particularly rising fuel prices.
Public support for the war has reportedly declined as Americans feel the effects of higher energy costs.
Political analysts say the vote represents a significant rebuke to the White House.
While it does not legally restrict the president, it signals mounting pressure from Congress and the public for an end to the conflict.
The measure marks the first time both chambers of Congress have approved a resolution seeking to terminate a military action since the War Powers Resolution of 1973.
Republican Divisions Emerge
A White House official argued that the resolution is unnecessary because the United States and Iran agreed to a ceasefire on April 7, maintaining that there are currently no active hostilities requiring troop withdrawal.
The four Republicans who backed the resolution were Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins and Bill Cassidy, while Democratic Senator John Fetterman was the only member of his party to oppose it.
The vote underscores growing divisions within Trump’s Republican Party ahead of November’s midterm elections, with some lawmakers increasingly challenging the president on major foreign and domestic policy issues.
Ceasefire Talks Continue
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has requested about $80 billion from Congress, with most of the funding intended to support operations related to the Iran conflict.
The United States and Iran are currently observing a ceasefire and negotiating a broader agreement aimed at ending Iran’s nuclear programme under a memorandum of understanding signed last week.
Negotiators have 60 days to work towards a comprehensive settlement.
Tags: US Congress, Donald Trump, Iran, US Politics, Middle East Conflict.
