Arabic version: مجلس الشيوخ يصوت ضد قرار لتقييد سلطات ترامب العسكرية على إيران
The US Senate has rejected a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority to engage in military action against Iran. This marks the fourth consecutive failure of such measures as lawmakers have vowed to introduce them weekly. The latest vote occurred after a two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, although subsequent negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, did not yield a lasting resolution.
According to Al Jazeera, the resolution failed primarily along party lines with a vote of 47-53, with one Republican, Rand Paul, voting in favor and one Democrat, John Fetterman, voting against. Supporters of the measure argue that Trump’s military actions, particularly since the conflict began alongside Israel on February 28, exceed his constitutional authority.
Proponents have expressed concerns about the lack of congressional oversight and the significant costs associated with the ongoing conflict, which has reportedly resulted in the loss of over a dozen American lives and economic turmoil in the region. Senator Chris Murphy criticized the administration’s handling of the war, calling it a “bungled, mismanaged war.”
In contrast, Senator Jim Risch defended Trump’s actions, asserting that the president was operating within his rights and responsibilities. He dismissed the resolution as an attempt to undermine the president’s authority.
The House of Representatives is also expected to consider its own resolution, which may have a better chance of passing. However, any resolution would likely be symbolic, as it could face a presidential veto. A significant deadline looms at the end of April when Congress must authorize continued military action under the War Powers Act or allow for a withdrawal of forces.
In related developments, US Central Command reported that no vessels successfully crossed the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, and the US Navy warned of potential boarding of ships heading to or from Iranian ports. The Trump administration is also preparing new financial measures against Iran, signaling ongoing tensions despite the temporary ceasefire.
