In a politically charged move, the US Senate passed a resolution directing President Donald Trump to withdraw American forces from hostilities involving Iran. The vote, 50–48, saw four Republican senators cross the aisle to join Democrats — the first time the chamber has successfully passed a measure aimed at limiting Trump’s war powers.
The resolution had already cleared the House earlier this month by a vote of 215–208. According to the Associated Press, the measure is largely symbolic but signals growing bipartisan unease with the administration’s Iran policy. It was the tenth attempt by Democrats to compel an end to US involvement in Middle East hostilities; previous efforts, including one just the week before, had fallen short.
The vote comes against the backdrop of a fragile 60-day ceasefire deal struck with Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was reportedly meeting with Gulf allies to reassure them of Washington’s commitment to their security. The Gulf remains divided: while Qatar played a central role in mediating the agreement, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain fear the deal could channel substantial sums into Iran’s military apparatus. Meanwhile, Iran and the US remain at odds over nuclear inspections, and the UN has begun evacuations from the Strait of Hormuz — an indication that tensions, despite the ceasefire, remain dangerously high.
