Washington: The US Senate is scheduled to vote Wednesday on a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's ability to conduct further military action against Iran without congressional approval. Debate on the measure will begin at 11:00 a.m. local time (16:00 GMT), with the vote planned for 4:00 p.m. (21:00 GMT).
According to United News of Bangladesh, the resolution comes amid criticism from lawmakers and public figures over Trump's recent strikes on Iranian targets, which many argue were carried out without proper legislative authorization. Proponents of the resolution assert that the vote is necessary to reassert Congress's constitutional role in approving military action, while opponents, including most Republican lawmakers, support the administration's decision, citing national security concerns.
The resolution would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override a presidential veto, making its passage challenging given the narrow Republican majorities. Lawmakers have pledged to use the vote to publicly state their positions on the ongoing conflict and US military engagement in the Middle East.
The vote comes as the Trump administration faces scrutiny over its justifications for the strikes, with critics claiming the attacks served strategic interests aligned more with Israel than the United States. Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Admiral Brad Cooper reported that nearly 2,000 targets across Iran have been struck since the start of joint US-Israeli operations. This campaign, described by Cooper as the largest US military buildup in the Middle East in a generation, involves over 50,000 troops, approximately 200 fighter jets, two aircraft carriers, and bombers.
The strikes have reportedly destroyed hundreds of Iran's ballistic missiles, air defense systems, drones, and 17 naval vessels, including a submarine. In response, Iran has launched over 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones targeting US and allied forces, though Cooper stated Tehran's offensive capacity is diminishing.
The escalating conflict, part of Operation Epic Fury, follows Iranian retaliation against US bases and diplomatic posts after the initial US-Israeli assault. The situation continues to evolve, with civilian casualties increasing and global markets reacting to rising Gulf tensions.