The United States Senate has rejected a proposal that would have limited Donald Trump’s power to carry out military strikes against Iran without approval from Congress. The proposal failed after most senators voted against it, as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.
The war powers measure was rejected in a 53–47 vote, largely along party lines, dealing a blow to lawmakers who argued that Congress must have a greater role in decisions involving military conflict.
The resolution aimed to halt US military action in Iran unless it was specifically authorised by Congress, as tensions escalate in the Middle East following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets.
Democratic senators backing the measure accused Trump of sidelining Congress and offering shifting explanations for the military campaign.
“This resolution is about reaffirming Congress’s constitutional authority over matters of war,” a Democratic lawmaker said during debate on the Senate floor. “No president should be able to unilaterally take the nation into war without the consent of Congress.”
Another Democratic senator warned that unchecked executive power could draw the US into a prolonged conflict. “The American people deserve transparency and accountability before we enter another war,” the lawmaker said.
Most Republican senators voted against the resolution, arguing that restricting the president’s authority at a time of rising tensions could undermine US security and military operations.
One Republican senator said, “Now is not the time to tie the commander-in-chief’s hands while American forces and our allies face threats in the region.”
However, some Republicans signalled that their position could change if the conflict expands.
“If the situation escalates significantly, Congress may need to revisit this issue,” another Republican lawmaker said.
The vote comes amid mounting tensions in the Middle East. The United States and Israel began striking Iranian targets on Saturday, prompting retaliatory attacks by Iran against Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf.
Security analysts warn that the ongoing exchange of attacks could widen the conflict across the region if diplomatic efforts fail to contain the crisis.