US Senate votes again attempt to limit Trump's attack on Iran

The US Senate has voted down an attempt to limit President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran, as the conflict continues to widen across the Middle East.

Lawmakers rejected the war powers resolution in a largely party-line vote of 53–47. The resolution would have meant that Trump would require congressional approval before the US could carry out further military action in Iran. Only two senators broke ranks. Republican Rand Paul supported the resolution, while Democratic Senator John Fetterman opposed it.

The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for a vote, though it is expected to face significant opposition there as well.

Supporters of the resolution argued that the president had overstepped his constitutional authority by launching the military operation alongside Israel without clear evidence of an immediate threat. Senator Tim Kaine told colleagues that the administration had failed to present proof that the US was in danger. “even in a classified setting”, he said, officials “could produce no evidence, none that the US was under an imminent threat of attack from Iran”.

Democratic leader Chuck Schumer also backed the measure, warning against another prolonged conflict in the region. “Do you stand with the American people who are exhausted with forever wars in the Middle East or stand with Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth as they bumble us headfirst into another war?” he asked.

Republicans who opposed the resolution said restricting the president during an active conflict would send the wrong signal. Senator Susan Collins argued that it was vital to show support for US troops. “At this juncture, providing unequivocal support to our service members is critically important,” she said.

The war powers resolution stems from a 1973 law designed to prevent presidents from waging long wars without congressional approval. While presidents must notify Congress within 48 hours of military action, lawmakers must authorise continued fighting within 60 days.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration followed that requirement and informed Congress about the strikes.

Conflict enters sixth day

The Senate vote came as the conflict entered its sixth day, with attacks spreading across the region. US and Israeli forces have carried out extensive strikes on Iran since Saturday, targeting military sites and leadership figures. Israeli officials said they launched a broad wave of attacks on Tehran and other major cities. Iran has responded with missile and drone strikes aimed at Israel and US-aligned countries in the Gulf. Explosions were heard in Israel early Thursday as air defence systems intercepted multiple waves of Iranian missiles.

The violence has also spread beyond the two countries. Israeli strikes have hit Lebanon, including attacks in Beirut’s southern suburbs and the Beddawi refugee camp in Tripoli. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says it has targeted sites in Iraq and Kuwait as well. A missile fired by Iran toward Turkey was intercepted by NATO defences before entering Turkish airspace, according to officials.

US sink Iranian warship in Indian Ocean

The conflict escalated further when the US sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that an American submarine torpedoed the vessel, saying it “thought it was safe in international waters”. Sri Lankan naval officials later rescued survivors after the ship went down. Authorities said dozens of people were recovered from the sea, while many others were found dead. Iran condemned the attack. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called it “an atrocity at sea” and warned that the US would “bitterly regret” the action.

Death toll continues to rise as Hegseth says conflict could be longer than expected

The fighting has caused heavy casualties across the region. Iranian authorities say more than 1,000 people have been killed since the war began, while Israel has reported 11 deaths. Six US troops were also killed in a drone strike in Kuwait. Despite the mounting death toll, there are few signs of de-escalation.

Defence Secretary Hegseth said the campaign is still in its early stages and could last longer than initially expected. “You can say four weeks, but it could be six. It could be eight. It could be three,” he said. “Ultimately, we set the pace and the tempo. The enemy is off balance, and we’re going to keep them off balance.”

Meanwhile, Iran is dealing with a political vacuum after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the opening strike of the war, prompting a scramble to choose a successor.

The conflict is also disrupting global energy markets. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and gas, has dropped sharply as attacks on vessels force companies to pause operations. Trump has floated the idea of deploying the US Navy to escort oil tankers through the strait.

With military operations expanding and Congress divided over its role, the prospect of a quick end to the conflict remains uncertain.