Senate Blocks Bid to Limit Trump’s War Powers on Iran

The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Friday aimed at restricting President Donald Trump’s ability to launch further military actions against Iran. The 53-47 vote followed party lines, except for Democrat John Fetterman siding with Republicans and Republican Rand Paul siding with Democrats.

The proposed war powers resolution, introduced by Senator Tim Kaine, would have required congressional approval for future hostilities. Kaine emphasized that the Constitution grants Congress—not the president—the authority to declare war. He argued that even those who support military action should support this check on executive power.

This legislative move came hours after Trump threatened more strikes on Iran, responding to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s comments following a 12-day conflict with Israel that ended with U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Trump has insisted the facilities were “obliterated,” although many Democratic lawmakers, after classified briefings, expressed skepticism.

Opponents of the resolution, like Republican Senator Bill Hagerty, argued the recent strike was limited and within the president’s rights as commander-in-chief. He warned against restricting a president’s ability to act swiftly in a crisis.

Trump has dismissed claims that the impact of the bombing was exaggerated and reaffirmed that Iran’s nuclear research poses a serious threat, despite Tehran’s insistence that its program is for civilian use.

Although the resolution was privileged under U.S. law and required a vote, it would also have needed House approval. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a staunch Trump ally, said the timing was not right for such legislation.

A similar effort by Kaine passed both chambers in 2020 but failed to override Trump’s veto.