US Senate Blocks Measure to Limit Military Action Against Iran

(MENAFN) According to reports, the U.S. Senate has narrowly voted down a Democratic-backed proposal aimed at restricting American military involvement in hostilities involving Iran without congressional authorization.

The measure, introduced by Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, was rejected by a 50–49 vote. It sought to require the withdrawal of U.S. forces from any ongoing or future hostilities within or against Iran unless explicitly approved by Congress through a declaration of war or a specific authorization for the use of military force.

Three Republican senators—Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska—joined most Democrats in supporting the motion. Meanwhile, Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted alongside most Republicans in opposing it.

The vote marked the first Senate decision following the 60-day threshold reached on May 1 in the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran, which began on February 28. At that time, the administration stated that a ceasefire had effectively ended active hostilities.

The resolution also emphasized that Congress has not formally declared war on Iran nor passed specific authorization for military force. Had it passed, it would have compelled the president to withdraw U.S. forces from such operations unless explicitly authorized by Congress.

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