US Senate again blocks effort to curb Trump’s Iran war powers

The US Senate on Wednesday again blocked a Democratic effort aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s ability to wage war in Iran.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin's war powers resolution was rejected by a vote of 46-51.

It marked the fifth attempt to rein in Trump’s war powers in Iran as the conflict enters its eighth week.

The vote was largely party line, with Democrats voting for the measure. However, Republican Sen. Rand Paul voted with Democrats in favor of the bill, while Democratic Sen. John Fetterman voted against it.

Before the vote, Baldwin said on the Senate floor that the upper chamber is "not powerless."

"We do have the power to rein in this president when he breaks a promise and breaks the law,” she said.

"We cannot wait for this president to commit war crimes or kill more civilians. The time is now. It is time for Congress to assert our authority and to end this war. I encourage my colleagues to vote yes on this resolution.”

Earlier, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will continue to force votes on the resolution every week "until Republicans see reason and help us end this war."

Trump announced late Tuesday that he was extending a ceasefire with Iran, pointing to divisions within Tehran’s leadership and requests from Pakistani officials for more time for diplomacy.

The president said he ordered the US military to maintain a blockade and remain prepared, while extending the ceasefire until Iran’s leaders present a unified proposal and talks conclude.

Despite the extension, uncertainty persists about the diplomatic path forward.