US Senate passes War Powers Resolution to end Iran hostilities

The US Senate approved a War Powers Resolution on Tuesday by a narrow 50-48 vote, directing President Donald Trump to terminate military operations against Iran unless Congress provides further authorization. The measure, H.Con.Res. 86, previously passed the House and was adopted under the 1973 War Powers Resolution. Four Republican senators—Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Rand Paul—joined Democrats in supporting the resolution.

Symbolic impact

While the resolution’s practical effect is limited since Washington and Tehran have already entered an interim peace agreement, it represents the strongest symbolic congressional rebuke of the war to date. The Senate vote followed weeks of conflict that disrupted global energy markets and drove US fuel prices sharply higher.

Ceasefire and negotiations

The vote came less than a week after the Trump administration announced an interim understanding with Iran, mediated by Pakistan, aimed at halting hostilities while negotiations continue. The US and Israel launched military operations against Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Iranian retaliation across the Middle East. Fighting halted under a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire that took effect April 8. On June 17, President Trump and Iranian President Pezeshkian electronically signed a memorandum of understanding, and both sides are now engaged in technical negotiations during a 60-day ceasefire period.