Washington: In a significant political setback for President Donald Trump, the US Senate has approved a war powers resolution aimed at limiting military action against Iran, marking the first time the chamber has passed such a measure.
The resolution was approved on Tuesday by a narrow 50-48 vote, reflecting growing unease among lawmakers over the administration's handling of the conflict with Iran and the broader implications of the military campaign.
Although the measure is largely symbolic and does not carry the force of law, it represents a rare bipartisan rebuke of Trump's foreign policy. The House of Representatives had approved a similar resolution earlier this month.
Reacting sharply to the vote, Trump criticised the measure on his Truth Social platform, describing it as "poorly timed and meaningless" and accusing senators supporting it of aiding Iran.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the vote underscored congressional opposition to the administration's actions, arguing that Americans were paying the price for what he called a major foreign policy mistake.
Four Republican senators — Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Rand Paul and Bill Cassidy — joined Democrats in backing the resolution. Democratic Senator John Fetterman voted against it.
The absence of two Republican senators, including Mitch McConnell, who was recently hospitalised, reduced the Republican majority and contributed to the resolution's passage.
The vote comes as the Pentagon seeks approximately USD 80 billion in supplemental funding to replenish weapons stockpiles and cover costs linked to the Iran conflict.
Trump is expected to meet Republican senators at the Capitol on Wednesday amid growing criticism within his party over the administration's agreement with Iran. Several Republicans have expressed concerns about provisions in the deal, including a proposed USD 300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran.
Democrats have repeatedly introduced war powers resolutions since the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran in February. Previous attempts failed to secure sufficient support in the Republican-controlled Senate.
While the Senate and House resolutions will not be sent to the president for approval, their passage is seen as a strong political statement reflecting congressional concerns over executive war powers and the future direction of US policy towards Iran.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is also seeking congressional approval for additional military funding as lawmakers scrutinise the financial costs of the conflict amid broader economic pressures facing Americans.
(With agency inputs from PTI)
