U.S. Senate Rejects Halting "Military Operations" in Iran for the Sixth Time

In a step reflecting the sharp division within the corridors of power in Washington, the Republican-led U.S. Senate curbed a new Democratic attempt aimed at stopping the military operations launched by President Donald Trump against Iran. The rejection came with a vote of 47 to 50, marking the sixth such failure for attempts to pass a "War Powers" resolution since the conflict erupted.

Exceeding the 60-Day Deadline: Has the War Become "Illegal"?

This voting session gains exceptional importance as it coincides with the expiration of the legal deadline of 60 days under the "War Powers Resolution of 1973." The law sets strict controls for military operations:

• Time Limit: The President must terminate military operations 60 days after informing Congress, unless formal authorization is obtained or a declaration of war is made.

• Current Situation: The United States and Israel began their strikes against Iran on February 28, and the Trump administration officially informed Congress on March 2, making Friday the effective deadline for military action without legislative cover.

Split in Republican Ranks and a Surprising Democratic Stance

Despite the failure to pass the resolution, the vote witnessed notable shifts in the positions of Senate members:

• Susan Collins: Joined Democrats in supporting the resolution, affirming that the 60-day deadline is "a constitutional requirement, not a suggestion," emphasizing the necessity of congressional authorization for continued military action.

• Rand Paul: Continued his support for the resolution, stemming from his traditional stance against foreign wars without authorization.

• John Fetterman: Emerged as the only Democratic member who voted against the resolution, maintaining his support for the current administration's policy toward Iran.

Trump Administration's Justifications and Legal Controversy

The testimony of War Secretary, Pete Hegseth, before "Capitol Hill" sparked a wave of criticism; he claimed that the "60-day clock was temporarily paused" as a result of a ceasefire agreement announced on April 8 for two weeks. This legal interpretation was considered by Democrats, led by Senators Adam Schiff and Chuck Schumer, a form of "evasion and circumvention" of a binding constitutional entitlement.

Repeated Failure in the House and Senate

The Democratic setback is not limited to the Senate; it was preceded by a similar failure in the House of Representatives earlier this month, where a resolution introduced by Representative Gregory Meeks was defeated by a very narrow vote (213-214), strengthening the Trump administration's grip on the ongoing military operations.

Current Field Situation

While political debates continue in Washington, the United States continues to impose a naval blockade on Iranian ports, despite the conclusion of ceasefire negotiations without tangible results, portending continued military escalation in the absence of consensus between the White House and Congress.