The House-passed measure, adopted by the Senate in a 50-48 vote, directs Trump to remove US forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress explicitly authorises military action.
Because the measure is a “concurrent resolution,” it does not go to Trump’s desk for signature and carries disputed legal force.
But its passage still puts both chambers of Congress on record against a conflict that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, rattled global energy markets and opened a broader regional war involving Lebanon and Gulf states.
The vote came as the Trump administration pursued a 60-day diplomatic push to turn a preliminary memorandum of understanding with Iran into a final agreement covering Tehran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and the Strait of Hormuz.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer forced the vote to put Republicans on record after several Trump allies voiced alarm over both the war and the president’s deal to end it.
“Republicans can complain about Trump’s war, his secrecy, and his disastrous deal with Iran all they want behind closed doors, but the only way to ensure this war ends once and for all is for Republicans to act,” Schumer said in a floor speech ahead of the vote.
The resolution earlier cleared the Republican-controlled House after four Republicans joined every Democrat in backing it, a rare break with Trump on matters of war and national security.
Democrats say Trump violated the Constitution by launching military operations against Iran without congressional approval.
Under the 1973 War Powers Act, presidents must obtain authorisation from Congress within 60 days of introducing US forces into hostilities, though administrations of both parties have often contested how the law applies.
The White House has argued that resolutions seeking to curb Trump’s powers to wage war in Iran are unconstitutional and says the conflict had already ended under an April ceasefire ordered by Trump.
It has also warned that restricting the president’s authority could weaken Washington’s leverage as negotiators seek to lock in a final deal with Iran.
Speaker Mike Johnson, a Trump ally, said before the House vote that limiting the commander-in-chief during negotiations was a “very dangerous prospect.”
But Democrats and some Republicans say the fighting continued well beyond the legal deadline and that Trump has repeatedly threatened renewed strikes.
The vote also reflects growing unease in Congress over the cost of the war, which disrupted trade routes, drove up energy prices and placed new strain on US voters already worried about inflation ahead of November’s midterm elections. (AFP)
