Senate Controlled by Republicans Passes Resolution Against War with Iran, Deal a Blow to Trump

June 24, Kathmandu – The US Senate has directed President Donald Trump to seek Congress’s approval before engaging in military action against Iran, aiming to prevent an undesired war. The proposal was voted on Tuesday in the Senate, where Republicans hold the majority. The resolution passed with 50 votes in favor and 48 against, marking a significant setback for Trump. Growing opposition to war with Iran among both Democrats and some Republicans contributed to the resolution’s passage. However, two Republican senators from Trump’s party, Mitch McConnell and Dave McCormick, were absent during the vote. Meanwhile, four Republican senators—Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Bill Cassidy—joined Democrats in supporting the resolution. John Fetterman was the only Democratic senator to vote against it.

The resolution had already passed the House of Representatives earlier this month with a 215–208 vote, supported by all Democrats and four Republicans who sided with them. Although largely symbolic, the resolution holds significance because it is the first time since the 1973 War Powers Resolution that both chambers of Congress have directed the president to cease military action. However, Congress’s approval does not compel Trump to implement the resolution or create legal binding authority. The vote also highlights growing divisions within the Republican Party ahead of the midterm elections scheduled for November, increasing pressure on Trump to end potential military action against Iran. The ongoing tensions between the US and Iran have driven up global fuel prices and increased anti-war sentiment among the public. Nonetheless, a White House official stated that since the ceasefire on April 7, no active military operations have occurred that would require withdrawing US troops.