US Senate moves to limit Trump’s war powers on Iran in rare bipartisan push

The United States Senate has taken a significant step to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to continue military action against Iran without approval from Congress.

In a procedural vote held on Tuesday, senators voted 50-47 to advance a War Powers Resolution that would require the president to seek congressional authorisation before engaging in further military action against Tehran.

A small number of Republican senators joined Democrats in supporting the measure, marking a rare challenge to Trump from members of his own party.

The vote comes amid growing public concern in the United States over the continuing conflict with Iran, which began on February 28 with military operations by the US and Israel. Although Trump announced in May that a ceasefire had effectively ended hostilities, military tensions in the region have continued.

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What the resolution seeks to do

The proposed resolution is aimed at reaffirming Congress’s constitutional authority over decisions related to war. Under the US Constitution, Congress has the power to declare war, while the president serves as commander in chief of the armed forces.

Lawmakers backing the resolution argue that Trump entered the conflict without clear approval from Congress and has not explained how or when the military campaign will end. Supporters also say that the White House must provide lawmakers with a clearer strategy before expanding military involvement.

The Trump administration, however, argues that the president acted within his legal powers and that the operations were necessary to protect US interests and security.

A difficult path ahead

Despite Tuesday’s vote, the resolution still faces major hurdles before it can become law.

It must first pass a final vote in the 100-member Senate and then secure approval in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. Even if both chambers pass the measure, lawmakers would still need two-thirds majority in both Houses to override an expected presidential veto.

Republicans aligned with Trump have already blocked several similar efforts this year. According to an Al Jazeera report, seven earlier attempts in the Senate and three in the House failed narrowly.

Still, the latest vote highlights growing unease among some Republican lawmakers over the long-term direction of the conflict and its political and economic consequences.

Debate over war powers

The debate is also reviving attention on 1973 War Powers Act, which was passed after the Vietnam War to limit presidential military authority. Under this law, a president can deploy US forces for only 60 days without congressional approval, unless an extension is granted for military necessity.

Although Trump declared that the ceasefire had ended major hostilities, tensions remain high. US forces have continued their operation involving blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has also cut maritime access in the Strait of Hormuz.

The conflict has also affected global oil markets and fuel prices, increasing pressure on the White House.

Opinion polls in the US indicate that many Americans oppose a prolonged war with Iran, while several legal experts have questioned the legality of the military campaign under international law.