US President Donald Trump on Tuesday lashed out at the Senate after it approved a resolution aimed at limiting any further US military action against Iran without congressional authorisation, accusing a group of Republican lawmakers of undermining his negotiating position and providing “aid and comfort” to America’s adversaries.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran was in a weakened position and ready to make major concessions when the Senate moved ahead with what he called a “poorly timed and meaningless War Powers Act vote.”
“So, I have Iran on the ‘ropes,’ ready to go down for the fall, willing to give us practically anything respecting the hell out of the United States and its President, ME,” Trump wrote.
He criticised four Republican senators who joined Democrats in backing the measure, calling them “Republican Losers” and arguing that the vote had complicated his administration’s efforts to deal with Tehran. “These Senators have just made my job more difficult, but I will get it done, one way or the other, because I always get it done!” Trump said.
Trump’s criticism came hours after the Republican-controlled Senate voted 50-48 in favour of a war powers resolution seeking to restrict any further escalation with Iran unless explicitly authorised by Congress, even as Washington continues negotiations on a potential peace agreement with Tehran.
The measure had already passed the House earlier this month, marking the first time since the War Powers Resolution of 1973 that both chambers of Congress have approved a measure directing a president to remove US forces from hostilities.
While largely symbolic, the vote represents a notable political setback for Trump and reflects growing unease in Congress over the conflict that began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched military action against Iran.
The Senate action also comes as the administration is expected to seek congressional approval for tens of billions of dollars in funding linked to the ongoing conflict, sharpening scrutiny of the White House’s war strategy.
The vote exposed divisions within Trump’s Republican Party, with four GOP senators — Susan Collins, Rand Paul, Bill Cassidy and Lisa Murkowski — joining Democrats in support. Democratic Senator John Fetterman voted against the measure, while Republican senators Mitch McConnell and David McCormick were absent.
The defections underscore growing discomfort among some Republicans over the scope of US military involvement and presidential war-making powers, even as Trump has largely retained party backing on foreign policy.
Recent Reuters/Ipsos polling added to the political pressure, showing that only one in four Americans believe the war against Iran has been worth its cost, while a majority expressed doubt that any truce with Tehran would hold.
Democrats argued during debate that Congress, not the president, has constitutional authority over decisions to go to war. “Congress has to own this responsibility,” Democratic Senator Tim Kaine said while urging support for the resolution.
The resolution’s practical effect remains uncertain. Under the 1973 War Powers Act, such concurrent resolutions are intended to serve as a congressional mechanism to end military operations without requiring presidential approval.
However, legal experts note the law’s authority has never been fully tested in this form. A 1983 US Supreme Court ruling also raised questions about whether such measures require a presidential signature to take effect, while the White House maintains the statute is unconstitutional and not binding on the executive branch.
A White House official said the Senate vote carries no legal force and argued it passed only due to the absence of two Republican senators. The official also said US hostilities were considered terminated following a ceasefire on April 7.
Scott Anderson of the Brookings Institution said the executive branch would likely ignore the measure on constitutional grounds, adding that it remains unclear who would have standing to challenge it in court.
The vote comes as the Trump administration continues efforts to negotiate a peace agreement with Iran. Supporters of the resolution say it could increase political pressure on the president and make it harder to resume military action if diplomacy collapses.
The broader debate could also extend to any eventual deal with Tehran. Under a 2015 law governing congressional review of agreements related to Iran’s nuclear programme, lawmakers would be able to scrutinise and vote on any future peace or nuclear arrangement.
Source: ANI