WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senate Republicans on a 52-47 vote defeated a Democratic resolution that would have barred President Donald Trump from conducting further military action in Iran. The measure, offered by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Democrat of Illinois, would have directed the president to remove United States 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.

Sen. Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, was the only Republican to vote in favor of the resolution. Sen. John Fetterman, Democrat of Pennsylvania, was the only Democrat or independent to vote against it. Sen. Jim Justice, Republican of West Virginia, missed the vote.

The vote marked the fourth time Democrats forced a vote on the issue since the war began on Feb. 28, 2026. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, vowed to continue pressing the matter. "We will bring these resolutions to the floor every week. Our troops deserve a mission, not a mess. They deserve a strategy, not chaos." Schumer said.

Sen. Jim Risch, Republican of Idaho, defended the president's authority, saying the resolution tells Trump to put his tail between his legs and run, that Trump has the right to take military action, and that Trump has a duty to defend the people of the United States. The Trump administration argued that the totality of Iran's actions since the 1979 Islamic Revolution represented an imminent threat to the United States.

Despite the vote, some Republicans indicated they would be less deferential to Trump on military action once the conflict reaches 60 days at the end of April 2026. Sen. John Curtis, Republican of Utah, said, "I will not support ongoing military action beyond a 60-day window without congressional approval. I take this position for two reasons — one is historical, and one is constitutional." Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president must obtain congressional approval for military action that extends beyond 60 days or approve a 30-day extension; otherwise, the president is legally required to begin withdrawing forces.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska, floated a separate resolution that would give Trump limited authorization to use military force in Iran. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on its own war powers resolution in a coming vote. Even if both chambers pass a resolution limiting military action, Trump could veto it, and Congress would need a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override.

The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire last week, but subsequent talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, failed to yield a more lasting agreement, though both sides signaled openness to a second round of negotiations. A CBS News poll found that 40% of Americans approve of U.S. military action in Iran, while 60% disapprove. Gas prices in the United States have risen since the war began, and rising costs of diesel and fertilizer have prompted some Republican lawmakers to consider how the conflict might affect their future votes on war powers measures.