The US Senate is scheduled to vote on a resolution that aims to curb President Donald Trump's authority to continue military strikes on Iran. This marks the first congressional test of support for a conflict initiated without explicit legislative approval.
The bipartisan measure, introduced by Senators Tim Kaine and Rand Paul, would mandate the withdrawal of US forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress authorizes the campaign. However, with Republicans holding a majority and largely supporting the president's actions, the resolution is widely predicted to fail.
The vote follows a rapidly escalating conflict that has resulted in the deaths of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior figures. US troops have also sustained casualties from Iranian strikes and a drone attack on a base in Kuwait.
Democrats contend that President Trump unconstitutionally bypassed Congress when ordering the air campaign, citing shifting explanations from the administration. Republicans have largely backed the president, though some have indicated their support could waver if the war expands or persists.
For the resolution to pass, it would require significant Republican support, which is unlikely. Even if it cleared both chambers, President Trump could veto it, requiring an exceptionally high majority to override.