Four GOP senators backed Democrats in the Senate vote
In a rare bipartisan rebuke to President Donald Trump, four Republican senators joined Democrats on Tuesday to push forward a Senate resolution aimed at limiting the president’s authority over the ongoing Iran conflict under the War Powers Act.
The procedural measure passed 50-47, marking a significant political setback for Trump amid growing criticism over America’s involvement in the Gulf conflict, which has now stretched into its 81st day.
Republicans defy Trump
Republican senators who voted with Democrats included:
- Rand Paul
- Susan Collins
- Lisa Murkowski
- Bill Cassidy
However, Democratic Senator John Fetterman voted against the resolution.
Three Republican senators were absent during the vote.
The move has been viewed as one of the strongest public challenges yet to Trump’s handling of the Iran war, despite continued support from much of the Republican Party and conservative voter base.
What the resolution means
The Senate vote does not immediately force the withdrawal of US military forces from the conflict.
However, it advances efforts by lawmakers arguing that Trump exceeded his constitutional authority by continuing military operations beyond limits set by the War Powers Act.
The law restricts a US president from deploying armed forces for more than 60 days without congressional approval.
Critics of the war argue that deadline expired on May 1.
The White House, however, maintains that the clock effectively paused on April 8 following a temporary ceasefire announcement, allowing Trump additional unilateral authority.
Despite the ceasefire, US naval forces continue operations around the Strait of Hormuz.
War’s growing toll
The conflict, which began on February 28, has caused widespread destruction across the Gulf region.
According to estimates cited in the report:
- More than 10,000 people have been killed
- Billions of dollars in infrastructure damage have been recorded
- Energy facilities and civilian sites have been heavily impacted
- Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted
The Pentagon’s last estimate reportedly placed America’s war-related costs at approximately $29 billion.
Resolution faces uncertain future
For the War Powers resolution to become binding, it must pass both chambers of Congress with a two-thirds majority.
That remains unlikely for now, given Republican control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Current numbers stand at:
- Senate: Republicans 53, Democrats 45, Independents 2
- House: Republicans 217, Democrats 212
- Diplomatic efforts continue
Even as political divisions deepen in Washington, diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran are continuing.
Iran has reportedly submitted a 14-point peace proposal demanding:
- Reparations
- Easing of sanctions on oil exports
- Recognition of Iranian authority over the Strait of Hormuz
Washington’s counterproposal seeks stricter restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear programme, including surrendering most of its alleged stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Trump warns Iran again
While acknowledging ongoing negotiations, Trump continued issuing strong warnings toward Tehran.
In a post on Truth Social, the US president claimed Gulf allies including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE had requested restraint because “serious negotiations are now taking place.”
But Trump also reiterated his red line in capital letters:
“NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN!”
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