The Republican-controlled US Senate has approved a resolution directing US President Donald Trump to either end the war in Iran or seek congressional authorisation before continuing military operations.
The measure was adopted on Tuesday in a 50–48 vote, with a handful of Republicans joining Democrats. The US House of Representatives had passed the same resolution earlier this month, reports BBC.
Although approved by both chambers, the resolution is largely symbolic. It will not be sent to the president for his signature and does not carry the force of law.
Still, the move underscores growing unease within Congress as the unpopular conflict nears its fifth month and scepticism mounts over Trump’s peace plan with Tehran.
This marks the first time since the War Powers Resolution of 1973 that both chambers have approved a concurrent resolution instructing a president to end military action. Unlike other legislation, a concurrent resolution reflects the will of Congress but does not become law. In 2019, Trump vetoed a joint resolution that sought to withdraw US forces from hostilities in Yemen.
Middle East analyst Laura Blumenfeld described the measure as “more of a slap on the wrist than a handcuff, because it has no legal binding,” but added that it reflects public sentiment against the war, particularly as petrol prices have surged.
The House vote earlier this month passed 215–208, with four Republicans siding with Democrats. In the Senate, four Republicans — Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins and Bill Cassidy — supported the resolution, while Democratic Senator John Fetterman opposed it.
A White House official noted the measure only succeeded because two Republican senators, Mitch McConnell and Dave McCormick, were absent.
The official also argued that with a ceasefire agreed on 7 April, there are no active hostilities requiring withdrawal. Nevertheless, the resolution adds pressure on the administration to secure a permanent end to the war.
The vote highlights divisions within the Republican Party ahead of November’s midterm elections, where control of Congress is at stake. Some Republicans have recently broken with Trump, rejecting his proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponisation” fund and approving aid for Ukraine.
Tuesday’s action was the tenth time Senate Democrats have forced a war powers vote since the conflict began. It coincided with the Pentagon’s request for $80 billion, most of it earmarked for the Iran war.
Under federal law, military actions require congressional approval beyond 60 days. US–Israel strikes on Iran began on February 28, though the Trump administration has argued that April’s ceasefire reset the timeline. The White House can extend the deadline by 30 days citing national security.
Currently, Washington and Tehran are observing a ceasefire and working under a memorandum of understanding signed last week. The agreement gives both sides 60 days to negotiate a broader deal aimed at ending Iran’s nuclear programme.
