US Congress Passes Historic War Powers Measure Against Trump's Iran War

The United States Congress has for the first time passed a concurrent resolution under the War Powers Act, directing President Donald Trump to end military involvement in Iran. The move is a symbolic rebuke to the administration's handling of the conflict, which began with US-Israel strikes on Iran on 28 February.

The resolution, which passed the Senate on Tuesday with a bipartisan vote of 215-208, marks the first time both chambers have approved such a measure since the War Powers Resolution was enacted in 1973. It expresses Congress's sentiment that hostilities should cease, though it lacks the force of law.

President Trump criticised the vote on his Truth Social platform, calling it “poorly timed and meaningless.” He claimed that Iran was on the “ropes” and that the resolution made his job more difficult. The White House has argued that a ceasefire agreed on 7 April effectively ended hostilities, making the resolution moot.

Middle East analyst Laura Blumenfeld described the measure as “more of a slap on a wrist than a handcuff, because it has no legal binding.” However, she noted that it reflects the American people's sentiments, particularly after petrol prices spiked due to the war.

The resolution passed the House earlier this month with four Republicans joining every Democrat. In the Senate, four Republicans—Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Bill Cassidy—voted with Democrats. The only Democrat to vote against was John Fetterman. Two Republican senators, Mitch McConnell and Dave McCormick, were absent.

The vote highlights growing divisions within the Republican party ahead of the midterm elections in November, where slim majorities in both chambers are at stake. Some Republicans have recently opposed the president on issues such as Ukraine aid and a proposed anti-weaponisation fund.

This is the 10th war powers vote forced by Senate Democrats since the conflict began. It coincided with a Pentagon request for approximately $80 billion, mostly to fund the Iran war. Federal law requires congressional approval for military actions exceeding 60 days, though the administration argues the ceasefire reset the clock. The White House can also extend the deadline by 30 days citing national security.

The US and Iran have agreed to maintain the ceasefire and are working towards a broader agreement under a memorandum of understanding signed by both presidents last week. The pact gives Washington and Tehran 60 days to negotiate an end to Iran's nuclear programme.