Iran Resolution Shows US Democracy Still Functioning, Says UI Professor
Evi Fitriani, a Professor of International Relations at the University of Indonesia, believes that the US Senate’s decision to approve a resolution limiting President Donald Trump’s authority in military operations against Iran shows that the US democratic mechanism is still functioning. The resolution is viewed as a way to limit conflict escalation and open space for diplomacy between Washington and Tehran.
According to Evi, the US Senate’s move reflects the view that a conflict with Iran is not in alignment with the national interests of the United States. Members of Congress, she noted, perceive that such a war would offer no strategic advantage to the US.
“They see the war as not being in the US interest and even detrimental to the US,” said Evi Fitriani when contacted by Media Indonesia on Wednesday (24/6).
Evi stated that the Senate’s support for the resolution could serve as a momentum for opening broader diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran. This is particularly important as both nations are currently undergoing negotiation processes regarding various strategic issues.
She assessed that the decision impacts not only the direction of US foreign policy towards Iran but also holds significant meaning for the American political system. The resolution, according to her, demonstrates that the principle of checks and balances, or the mechanism of mutual oversight between state institutions, is still operating effectively.
“The resolution demonstrates the functioning of checks and balances within the US political system and proves that the US remains a democracy,” she said.
Furthermore, Evi emphasised that the political impact of the resolution should be substantial regarding President Trump’s scope of movement in making military decisions in the future. With these limitations imposed by Congress, the president cannot unilaterally implement military policies against Iran or any other nation.
“The impact should be significant because Trump cannot arbitrarily take policies against Iran or any other country. Otherwise, he could be impeached,” Evi concluded.