WASHINGTON: The US Senate has backed President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran, rejecting a Democratic-led resolution aimed at halting the war without formal congressional approval.
In a closely divided vote, senators voted 52-47 against advancing the war powers resolution, highlighting continued Republican support for the ongoing conflict more than six weeks after US and Israeli strikes began.
The resolution, pushed by Democrats, sought to reassert Congress’s constitutional authority to declare war. However, it failed to gain traction, with only Republican Senator Rand Paul breaking ranks to support it. Democratic Senator John Fetterman voted against the measure.
Meanwhile, Trump said in an interview with Fox Business Network that the war is “close to over,” while cautioning that operations are still ongoing.
Tensions remain high as diplomatic efforts continue. Pakistan’s army chief has arrived in Tehran in an attempt to prevent further escalation after recent peace talks ended without a breakthrough.
Republican leaders defended the president’s authority, arguing that limited military operations fall within his powers as commander-in-chief. Democrats, however, warned of a prolonged conflict and urged a return to diplomacy.
Senator Jim Risch criticized supporters of the resolution, accusing them of indirectly backing Iran, while Democratic Senator Jack Reed called for a shift toward peace before the conflict escalates further.
Public opinion remains divided, with polls showing broad opposition to the war, though support varies sharply along party lines.
The House of Representatives is expected to take up a similar measure later this week.