The US Senate narrowly voted 48-47 on June 16 to block a Democratic-led resolution that sought to end the Iran war until authorized by Congress, marking the ninth attempt by Democrats since February to restrict President Trump's war powers [1, 2].
The resolution was introduced under the War Powers Act following a recent memorandum of understanding announced by President Trump on June 14 to end the conflict, part of a framework agreement between the White House and Tehran for ceasefire and peace talks [1, 2].
The vote largely split along party lines, with four Republicans—Senators Cassidy, Collins, Murkowski, and Paul—joining most Democrats in support of the resolution. Democratic Senator John Fetterman broke ranks to vote against it alongside the majority of Republicans [1, 2].
Five senators including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Bernie Sanders did not participate in the vote [1, 2].
The House of Representatives also recently backed a resolution calling to end the Iran war, reflecting continued congressional opposition to unilateral presidential military action in the conflict [1].
Senators await further details from the Trump administration on the memorandum of understanding announced earlier this month aimed at formally ending the war [1, 2].
The June 16 vote follows an earlier Senate advance of a similar Democratic war powers resolution on May 19, the eighth attempt in the series related to Iran [1].
