The United States Senate narrowly rejected another Democratic-led effort to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military operations against Iran without congressional approval, but the vote revealed widening divisions within the Republican Party over the ongoing conflict.
The motion failed 50-49 on Wednesday, marking the seventh Senate attempt to invoke the War Powers Resolution since the war began on Feb. 28.
Republican Senators Rand Paul, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined most Democrats in supporting the measure, while Democratic Senator John Fetterman voted with Republicans to block it.
The vote represented the highest level of bipartisan support yet for restricting the president’s war powers amid mounting political and economic pressure tied to the conflict.
The resolution, led by Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley, sought to require the withdrawal of US armed forces from hostilities involving Iran unless Congress explicitly authorized military action.
Democrats argued that the administration had exceeded its constitutional authority by continuing military operations without congressional approval.
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires presidents to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying forces and limits unauthorized military engagement to 60 days.
The Trump administration maintains that the clock no longer applies because hostilities formally ended with the April 7 ceasefire.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said she expected greater clarity from the administration after the 60-day threshold passed but had not received it.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine said lawmakers were hearing increasing concern from constituents over the war and its consequences.
The conflict’s economic impact has intensified political scrutiny in Washington.
Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following US and Israeli attacks has continued despite the ceasefire, contributing to rising oil prices and worsening energy costs.
Average gasoline prices in the United States have climbed above $4.50 per gallon, compared with less than $3 before the war began.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll released earlier this week found that roughly two-thirds of Americans believe Trump has not clearly explained the reasons for the war.
Speaking before departing for China, Trump said financial concerns would not shape negotiations with Iran.
“The only thing that matters when I’m talking about Iran: They can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.
Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons, while US intelligence assessments previously stated Tehran was not building one.