Senate Blocks Resolution to End Iran Conflict

The U.S. Senate narrowly blocked a Democratic-led resolution on Tuesday that aimed to end American involvement in the Iran conflict without congressional authorization, voting 50-48 under the war powers law. The vote came as lawmakers await details about a memorandum of understanding announced by President Donald Trump on Sunday to end the war.

Four Republicans—Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul of Kentucky—voted with most Democrats in favor. Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania joined most Republicans in voting no. Five senators did not vote.

The resolution blocked was sponsored by Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia. In a sign of lawmakers' frustration with the continuing conflict, the Senate previously voted to advance an eighth war powers resolution introduced by Democrats on May 19. That measure, led by Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, faces another procedural vote before coming up for a vote on passage in the Senate.

The war powers resolution would direct the president to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force. Leading Republicans and Democrats have expressed skepticism about President Trump's secret deal with Iran, with some demanding that Congress must approve any peace deal.

According to Fox News, Senator Tim Kaine stated that the preliminary agreement with Iran appears to be a worse outcome than former President Barack Obama's Iranian nuclear agreement. He mentioned that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) might require congressional review due to its impact on the nuclear program. Meanwhile, Senator Lindsey Graham expressed support for the MOU as a framework for achieving a final deal, despite some reservations about its details.

Time reported that many Republicans are nervous about the agreement with Iran, particularly regarding the lifting of sanctions and allowing Iran to sell oil again. Senator Bill Cassidy criticized the leaked draft of the plan, describing it as 'not a very good plan' and later calling it a 'worst foreign policy blunder in decades.' Former U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley and former Vice President Mike Pence also expressed skepticism about the deal.

Fox News reported that President Donald Trump's proposed Iran agreement is drawing sharp criticism from some of his strongest supporters, who argue the deal rewards Tehran before it has agreed to fully dismantle its nuclear program. The 14-point framework agreement establishes an immediate ceasefire between the United States and Iran, with key provisions including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the removal of the U.S. naval blockade, temporary waivers allowing Iranian oil exports, access to frozen Iranian assets, and a commitment to negotiate a final agreement within 60 days.

Critics note that the agreement does not require the immediate dismantlement of Iran's nuclear infrastructure, the removal of enriched uranium stockpiles, restrictions on Tehran's ballistic missile program, or the disbandment of Iranian-backed proxy groups such as Hezbollah. Despite the administration portraying the agreement as a breakthrough, critics have argued that the concessions offered to Iran far outweigh the commitments secured in return.

The Pentagon has requested roughly $80 billion from Congress to cover the cost of the war against Iran, according to multiple sources. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been making rounds on Capitol Hill discussing this funding request. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the Trump administration aims to build enough supply chain capacity to allow critical industries to withstand economic shocks and other foreign chokepoints.

According to Al Jazeera, Iranian diplomats are reading Donald Trump's book, 'The Art of the Deal', to understand his negotiation strategy. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding became a declaration of America's defeat. President Trump raged at Congress for passing a war powers vote that demanded he either stop warring with Iran or seek approval before continuing.

In addition to the legislative actions, there are ongoing discussions about the economic implications of the conflict and potential peace deal. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the need for diversifying away from dangerous concentrations and building enough capacity at home to ensure that the American people are never at the mercy of a foreign chokepoint abroad.

The Senate's vote reflects deep divisions within both parties over the Iran conflict and the administration's handling of it. The blocked resolution highlights ongoing tensions between Congress and the White House over war powers and the role of congressional authorization in military actions.