The U.S. Senate has approved a bipartisan war powers resolution calling on President Donald Trump to halt military operations against Iran unless Congress grants explicit authorization, marking a rare rebuke of the administration’s handling of the conflict.
The measure passed the Senate in a 50-48 vote after previously clearing the House of Representatives by a narrow 215-208 margin. Four Republican senators — Bill Cassidy, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins and Rand Paul — joined nearly all Democrats in supporting the resolution. Democratic Senator John Fetterman was the only member of his party to vote against it.
The resolution directs the president to withdraw U.S. armed forces from hostilities involving Iran unless Congress formally declares war or passes a specific authorization for military action. It does, however, permit limited military operations to respond to imminent threats against the United States or its allies.
The vote reflects growing concern in Congress over the conflict, which began after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Public support for the war has also weakened, with a Reuters/Ipsos poll finding that only 24% of Americans believe the conflict has been worth the cost.
While the resolution represents the first time both chambers of Congress have approved a War Powers measure directing a president to end U.S. involvement in an active conflict, its practical impact may be limited. War powers resolutions are generally considered non-binding, and previous administrations have relied on existing Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) to justify military operations without seeking new congressional approval.
The Trump administration has indicated it does not believe the resolution restricts the president’s authority. Trump has repeatedly argued that his commander-in-chief powers allow him to conduct military operations without additional congressional authorization.
The vote comes as U.S. and Iranian officials continue negotiations in Switzerland aimed at securing a longer-term agreement following the recent ceasefire. Some Republican lawmakers argued the congressional action could weaken the U.S. negotiating position, while supporters said it reasserts Congress’s constitutional role in decisions over war.
