The US Senate has approved a war powers resolution limiting military action against Iran, prompting an angry response from Donald Trump as divisions emerge within the Republican Party.
Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has lashed out at the US Senate after lawmakers approved a resolution seeking to restrict further military action against Iran without congressional approval, exposing a rare split within the Republican Party.
In a significant political setback for President Donald Trump, the US Senate approved a war powers resolution aimed at limiting future American military action against Iran unless authorised by Congress.
Also Read
The measure passed by a narrow 50-48 margin, with four Republican senators joining Democrats in support of the resolution. The vote came after the House of Representatives had already approved the measure earlier this month.
Supporters argued that Congress must reassert its constitutional authority over decisions involving war and military intervention, particularly as tensions with Iran continue to dominate US foreign policy.
Trump attacks Senate and Republican dissenters
Trump reacted furiously to the vote, claiming the Senate had undermined his negotiating position with Tehran at a critical moment.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran was "ready to give us practically anything" and accused the Senate of sending the wrong message by approving what he described as a "poorly timed and meaningless" resolution.
The President also criticised the Republican senators who voted against his position, arguing that their actions had made his efforts with Iran more difficult.
Rare Republican split emerges
Although Republicans currently hold a majority in the Senate, four GOP senators broke ranks to support the resolution. They included Bill Cassidy, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins and Rand Paul.
Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman was the only Democrat to oppose the measure, while two Republican senators did not participate in the vote.
The outcome marked one of the most visible disagreements between Trump and members of his own party during his second term in office.
What the resolution means
The legislation requires the President to withdraw US armed forces from hostilities involving Iran unless Congress explicitly authorises military action through legislation or a declaration of war.
However, the measure still allows limited military deployments to respond to imminent threats against the United States, American personnel or allied nations.
Supporters say the resolution is designed to ensure that decisions involving major military operations remain subject to congressional oversight.
Iran conflict continues to dominate Washington
The vote comes amid growing scrutiny of US military operations against Iran and broader concerns over the economic impact of instability in the Middle East.
Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to volatility in global energy markets, while rising oil and gas prices have become an increasingly important political issue in the United States.
Trump has also accused major oil companies of failing to reduce fuel prices quickly enough despite falling crude oil costs and has called for investigations into possible price gouging.
Political battle likely to continue
While the resolution represents a symbolic rebuke of Trump's Iran strategy, the White House has argued that the President retains broad constitutional authority to respond to national security threats.
The dispute sets up a potential constitutional clash between Congress and the executive branch as negotiations with Iran continue and lawmakers debate the limits of presidential war powers.
Published: 24 Jun 2026, 11:03 am IST
Related Topics
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.