US Senate votes to halt Iran war, bucking Trump
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticises the campaign as a “disastrous war” amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz
The United States Senate has passed a resolution to pause President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran, requiring explicit congressional approval for any further military action. The vote concluded on Tuesday with a 50-to-48 margin, marking a significant legislative check on executive power in the context of ongoing hostilities. The measure had previously been approved by the House of Representatives earlier in the month.
Despite Republicans holding a majority in the chamber, four conservative senators crossed party lines to support the resolution. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, and Rand Paul of Kentucky joined nearly all Democrats in voting for the measure. The only Democrat to vote against the resolution was Pennsylvania’s John Fetterman.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer characterised the vote as the tenth time the Senate has addressed war powers regarding the conflict. He described the administration’s approach as a “disastrous war” that has delivered “maximum confusion, maximum chaos, maximum cost to the American people.” Schumer stated that the campaign would go down in history as one of the worst foreign policy forays in the nation’s history.
The legislative move comes amidst heightened regional tensions. Iran’s military command announced on Thursday that it would target any ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz, declaring the waterway closed following strikes on two vessels and recent US airstrikes in southern Iran. US Central Command has denied the total closure, stating that commercial ships continue to transit the strategic route.
The resolution’s passage occurs while President Trump remains engaged in high-profile international duties. He is scheduled to attend the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July to present the trophy to the winner. The event marks a significant escalation in the President’s involvement with the tournament, which commenced on 11 June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
