The United States Senate on Tuesday approved a resolution directing President Donald Trump to withdraw American military forces from the conflict with Iran, marking a significant bipartisan rebuke of the administration’s approach to military engagement in the Middle East.
The measure passed by a narrow 50-48 vote, reflecting growing concerns among lawmakers over presidential war powers and congressional oversight of military action.
Four Republican senators — Rand Paul, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Bill Cassidy — joined Democrats in supporting the resolution, while Democratic Senator John Fetterman broke ranks with his party to vote against it.
The vote represents the latest effort by Democrats to curtail the president’s authority to engage in military operations without congressional approval. Similar measures have been repeatedly introduced in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, attracting increasing support from some Republican lawmakers in recent weeks.
The resolution had earlier been approved by the House of Representatives. However, as a concurrent resolution, it does not require the president’s signature and does not carry the force of law.
Despite its non-binding status, supporters argue that the measure sends a strong political message about Congress’ constitutional role in decisions involving military conflict.
A Democratic aide involved in advancing the legislation previously indicated that supporters believe the resolution could have legal implications, although its enforceability would likely be subject to judicial interpretation.
Tuesday’s vote marks the tenth time the Senate has considered legislation related to limiting military action against Iran since the beginning of the year. A separate Senate-backed war powers resolution advanced last month but is yet to receive a final vote as Democratic leaders continue efforts to secure sufficient support.
The House version of the measure passed earlier this month by a vote of 215-208, with four Republicans joining Democrats in backing the resolution.
Their support drew criticism from President Trump, who described the lawmakers as “grandstanders” and labelled their actions “unpatriotic” in a post on his Truth Social platform following the vote.
Supporters of the resolution maintain that congressional involvement remains essential, even amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.
Senator Tim Kaine, one of the leading advocates of the measure, argued that Congress should have a say in any future military escalation involving Iran.
“I think it’s a good time to have the vote to say, ‘Hey, if we’re really in a period of maybe some stability here, let’s not just allow it to start up again without Congress being involved in that decision,’” Kaine told reporters last week.
The resolution underscores continuing debate in Washington over the balance of power between Congress and the presidency in matters of war and national security, particularly as tensions with Iran remain a key foreign policy concern.
