Trump's pressure works: Senate blocks resolution limiting Iran war powers

The U.S. Senate has voted to reject a resolution that would have limited President Trump's authority to engage in military action against Iran. The vote on February 25th saw 50 senators opposing the measure, with 47 in favor, effectively blocking the attempt to curb the president's war powers.

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mistimed and meaningless

This outcome came just a day after the Senate had passed a different resolution calling for an end to hostilities in Iran. The swift reversal in voting direction highlights internal divisions within the Republican party concerning policy towards Iran. President Trump had publicly criticized the earlier resolution, deeming it "mistimed and meaningless" and arguing it weakened the U.S. negotiating position with Iran.

Reports indicate that Trump held a private lunch with Republican senators prior to the vote, where he expressed strong dissatisfaction with some members. Senator John Kennedy described Trump as "furious" during the meeting. Notably, Senators Rand Paul and Bill Cassidy shifted their votes from the previous day, siding with Trump and securing the necessary votes to defeat the resolution.

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furious

While the resolution's passage would have been subject to presidential veto, its symbolic significance was widely discussed. Trump celebrated the vote's outcome on social media, stating it sent a "clear signal" to Iran and projected a consistent U.S. stance. The earlier resolution calling for an end to the war remains in effect, as the two votes addressed different proposals.

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sent a clear signal to Iran