US Senate blocks resolution limiting military action against Iran
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US Senate rejects resolution requiring approval for Iran strikes after Trump's surprise attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.
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President Donald Trump speaks to the media on Friday, June 27, 2025, in the White House briefing room in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
The US Senate has voted down a Democratic resolution aimed at requiring congressional approval for any future military action against Iran. The resolution, introduced by Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, was defeated in a 53-47 vote largely along party lines.
The measure, grounded in the 1973 War Powers Act, sought to curtail the president's ability to engage in military operations against Iran without prior authorization from both chambers of Congress. The rejection of the resolution reflects ongoing divisions in Washington over executive military authority and US policy toward Iran.
Tensions have escalated sharply following a series of military confrontations earlier in the month. On June 22, the United States launched strikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities: Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. In response, Iran targeted the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with missile strikes on the following Monday.
On that note, the US strike triggered tensions between lawmakers and US officials who argued that Trump's decision was "not constitutional". Numerous members of Congress voiced strong opposition the day after the strike, raising constitutional concerns about the lack of Congressional authorization
Top Democrats on Capitol Hill say they were not briefed in advance of the US military strike, according to multiple sources cited by Axios, sparking concerns about transparency and the decision-making process behind such a consequential action. Additionally, Trump faced backlash from his MAGA base.
US President Donald Trump later announced that "Israel" and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire, which took effect on Tuesday. The ceasefire marked the conclusion of a 12-day conflict between the two sides. Trump urged both parties to adhere strictly to the terms of the agreement.
Strikes on Iranian nuclear sites prompt retaliation
The initial escalation began on June 13, when "Israel" launched a large-scale operation against Iran, citing concerns over an alleged covert military nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched Operation True Promise 3, striking multiple military targets within "Israeli" territory on the same day.
Tehran continues to reject claims regarding the military nature of its nuclear activities. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, recently affirmed that the agency has found no concrete evidence suggesting Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapons program.
As diplomatic and military channels worked to de-escalate the situation, the ceasefire agreement brokered earlier this week brought a temporary halt to hostilities. The episode underscored the fragile dynamics of the region and renewed debates within the US on the extent of presidential war powers.
