The Senate approved a resolution Tuesday requiring President Trump to end hostilities with Iran, a conflict that concluded last week with a memorandum of understanding. The vote was 50-48, with four Republican senators joining the majority of Democrats.
Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) voted in favor of the measure, which had previously passed the House. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) voted with the majority of Republicans. Two Republican senators, Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), were absent and did not vote.
This marks the first time since the 1973 War Powers Resolution that Congress has passed a measure directing a president to end an undeclared war. The resolution mandates the removal of U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran, with exceptions for forces necessary to defend the United States or its allies or partners from imminent attack. The legislation does not require a presidential signature to take effect.
The White House has previously stated its view that the War Powers Resolution, which typically requires presidents to end conflicts within 90 days without congressional approval, is unconstitutional. Historically, courts have declined to intervene in such matters, considering them "political questions" for Congress to address, potentially through withholding funding.
The resolution's practical effect remains uncertain, given the recent end of the conflict. However, its language could apply if hostilities were to resume.
In parallel diplomatic efforts, U.S. and Iranian negotiators are currently meeting in Switzerland to finalize an agreement. This potential deal involves Tehran abandoning its nuclear program in exchange for financial incentives, including the lifting of sanctions, the unfreezing of assets, and a $300 billion reconstruction fund financed by Gulf Arab nations.
President Trump had previously expressed frustration with potential congressional action regarding the war, arguing it could undermine his negotiating leverage. The House of Representatives passed the resolution on June 3 with a vote of 215-208, also seeing four Republican defections and six abstentions.
The broader context includes ongoing negotiations and past presidential assertions regarding the limits of congressional war powers. The passage of this resolution highlights a continued tension between the executive and legislative branches over the authority to engage in and terminate military engagements abroad. IMAGE1: A man exercises on the coast of Oman with the Qaboos Port and mountains in the background. | A man exercises across the waters off Oman where oil tankers, carriers, vessels and Omani fisher boats sit anchored around Qaboos Port in Muscat, Oman.