Senate narrowly defeats another resolution to limit Trump's Iran war powers

The Senate again rejected a war-powers resolution, with a 49-50 vote that saw four Republicans—Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul and Thom Tillis—siding with Democrats, while Sen. John Fetterman voted against it. The resolution, drafted by Sen. Tim Kaine, sought to force the president to end any military action against Iran under the War Powers Act of 1973, a law that has rarely been tested. The vote follows more than a dozen prior attempts to block President Trump's authority, all but one of which have failed.

Trump's recent United Nations speech hinted at destroying Iran, and rumors of possible strikes after an Iranian-backed militia hit a Saudi oil pipeline added urgency. Although the House passed a similar measure in July, the Senate's rejection underscores the partisan divide and the political calculus ahead of the midterm elections, where public anger over the war and high gas prices is a key issue. The United States continues to enforce a naval blockade and escort oil through the Strait of Hormuz, keeping the conflict at a low level for now.