The US Senate on Wednesday rejected another attempt by Democrats to limit the president's military powers Donald Trump in the conflict against Iran, even though support for this initiative seems to be growing within the Republican camp.
The resolution, sponsored by Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley, aimed to halt military operations against Iran until explicitly authorized by Congress, in accordance with the U.S. War Powers Act.
The bill was blocked by a vote of 50 to 49 in an extremely close contest. Three Republican senators, however, joined almost all Democrats in supporting consideration of the resolution, a sign of growing unease within the Republican Party over the escalating conflict.
This was the seventh such attempt rejected this year by Donald Trump's Republican allies in the Senate. This vote was also the first held since the expiration of the 60-day period stipulated by the War Powers Act, which requires the president to obtain congressional authorization to continue certain military operations.
The US president claimed on May 1st that a ceasefire had "ended" the conflict. But fighting and regional tensions continue, fueling criticism from elected officials who accuse the executive branch of circumventing Congress's constitutional role in matters of war.
Among the Republicans who supported the resolution was Rand Paul, known for his non-interventionist stance. This increased support could complicate the White House's position should the conflict with Iran escalate in the coming months.
The debate reflects deep political divisions in Washington over US military engagement in the Middle East, as the Trump administration tries to maintain a hard line against Tehran while avoiding a wider regional war.
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