Iran Resolution Shows US Democracy Still Functioning, Says UI Professor

University of Indonesia (UI) Professor of International Relations Evi Fitriani assessed that the United States Senate’s decision to approve a resolution limiting President Donald Trump’s authority regarding military operations against Iran demonstrates that the mechanisms of US democracy are still functioning. The resolution is considered to limit the escalation of conflict and open space for diplomacy between Washington and Tehran. According to Evi, the US Senate’s move reflects the view that conflict with Iran is not in line with America’s national interest. Members of Congress, she said, see that such a war offers no strategic advantage for the US. “They see the war as not being in the US interest and even detrimental to the US,” Evi Fitriani said when contacted by Media Indonesia on Wednesday (24/6). Evi stated that the Senate’s support for the resolution could become momentum for opening broader diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran. This is particularly important as both countries are also currently undergoing negotiation processes related to various strategic issues. She assessed that the decision not only impacts the direction of US foreign policy towards Iran but also holds significant meaning for the American political system. The resolution, according to her, shows that the principle of checks and balances, or the mutual oversight mechanism among state institutions, is still operating effectively. “The resolution demonstrates the working of checks and balances in the US political system and proves that the US is still a democratic country,” she noted. Furthermore, Evi emphasised that the political impact of the resolution should be substantial on President Trump’s room for manoeuvre in making military decisions in the future. With the limitation from Congress, the president cannot unilaterally take military policy actions against Iran or any other country. “The impact should be significant because Trump cannot arbitrarily take policy against Iran or any other country. Otherwise, he could be impeached,” Evi concluded.