Iran war: U.S. Senate takes stance against Trump

Darwin, 24 June : The U.S. Senate has passed a resolution aimed at limiting the authority to conduct military operations in Iran. According to the proposal, any military action in Iran—or any further escalation—would require mandatory approval from Congress beforehand. The information was reported on Tuesday (June 23) by Qatar-based news outlet Al Jazeera.

The report states that the measure was passed in the Senate by a narrow 50–48 vote. Earlier this month, it had already been approved by the House of Representatives.

Although Republicans currently hold a majority in the Senate, four conservative Republicans broke ranks to support the resolution. Almost all Democratic senators voted in favor, except for one.

This marks the first time in U.S. history that a war-related resolution has successfully passed both chambers of Congress. However, it is widely seen as largely symbolic, as President Donald Trump is expected to veto it.

The four Republican senators who voted against their party line were Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, and Rand Paul of Kentucky. Two other Republicans—Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania—did not vote.

Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Trump’s Iran policy has brought “confusion, chaos, and damage” to the American people and called it one of the worst decisions in U.S. history.

The resolution also calls for an end to hostilities against Iran and a withdrawal of U.S. armed forces, while allowing limited military presence only for defending against imminent attacks on the U.S. or its allies.

Republican Senator James Risch argued that the resolution could weaken Trump’s position in ongoing negotiations in Switzerland, saying Iran might walk away from talks as a result.

Meanwhile, a Reuters–Ipsos poll released on Tuesday found that only 24% of Americans consider the war justified.