US Senate backs Trump’s Iran war policy, blocks resolution to halt conflict

WASHINGTON: A majority in the United States Senate on Wednesday backed Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran, voting down a Democratic-led resolution aimed at halting the war without congressional authorisation.

The Senate voted 52-47 against advancing the war powers resolution, highlighting continued Republican support for the president’s policy more than six weeks after the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran.

The measure marked the fourth attempt by Democrats to invoke war powers since the conflict began, with all efforts failing amid strong Republican opposition. Only Senator Rand Paul broke ranks to support the resolution, while Democratic Senator John Fetterman voted against it.

Under the US Constitution, Congress holds the authority to declare war, though successive administrations have argued that limited military actions fall within presidential powers as commander-in-chief.

The White House and Republican lawmakers maintained that Trump’s actions were lawful and necessary to protect national interests.

Speaking ahead of the vote, Senator Jim Risch criticised supporters of the resolution, accusing them of indirectly aiding Iran.

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Meanwhile, Democratic leaders argued that Congress must reclaim its constitutional role and warned against the risk of a prolonged conflict. Senator Jack Reed urged lawmakers to prioritise diplomacy and avoid further escalation.

Public opinion remains divided, with surveys indicating broad opposition to the war overall but strong partisan differences in support.

The vote came as Trump said the conflict was nearing its end, while Pakistan continued diplomatic efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran following recent talks in Islamabad that ended without a breakthrough.

The United States House of Representatives is expected to consider a similar measure later this week.