Senate Advances Resolution to Limit Trump's War Powers in Iran

The U.S. Senate voted 50-47 on Tuesday to advance a War Powers resolution that would force Donald Trump to either obtain congressional authorization for military hostilities in Iran or withdraw U.S. forces. The procedural victory followed eight previous failed attempts by Democrats to limit the president's authority during Operation Epic Fury, a campaign launched on February 28 involving strikes and a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

The measure progressed after four Republicans—Bill Cassidy, Rand Paul, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski—joined most Democrats. Senator Bill Cassidy's shift followed a primary election loss in Louisiana and cited a lack of transparency from the White House and Pentagon. Only one Democrat, John Fetterman, opposed the resolution.

President Trump dismissed the effort as unconstitutional and unpatriotic. He recently delayed a planned large-scale assault on Iran following requests from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to allow negotiations to continue. While the administration claims a May 1 ceasefire terminated hostilities to bypass the 1973 War Powers Act's 60-day limit, critics point to the continued blockade and the deployment of 50,000 troops as evidence of ongoing conflict.

The resolution now moves toward a final Senate vote and a similar expected vote in the House of Representatives. However, it faces a likely presidential veto, which would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override. Meanwhile, Iran has urged citizens to mobilize for arms training despite the fragile ceasefire.