"The Capitol" Fails to Stop Trump's War, US Attacks on Iran Drag On

The US Senate on Wednesday rejected a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority to continue military action against Iran. The measure to constrain Trump’s war powers was proposed by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine and Republican Rand Paul, and would require US troops to be withdrawn from Iran unless Congress authorises war. Citing AFP on Thursday (5 March 2025), the failure occurred because the Republicans, who hold a majority in the upper chamber, largely supported the president’s decision to attack Iran alongside Israel. “Let me put it this way, there is no evidence presented in that room… showing that the US faces a direct threat from Iran,” Kaine said after a closed briefing from Trump administration officials. The vote came five days after the US-Israel strike on Iran on 28 February that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior Tehran figures. It was also reported that US forces suffered casualties in Iranian retaliation on bases in Kuwait. Earlier, Democrats argued that Trump acted unconstitutionally by bypassing Congress when he ordered the air campaign. They said the Trump administration had offered a shifting rationale for the war. Meanwhile, Republicans largely supported Trump, though some signalled support could waver if the war broadened or dragged on. “The roadside bombings from Iran have wounded and killed hundreds, if not thousands, of American civilians,” wrote one staunch Trump Senate ally and long‑time adversary of Iran, Lindsey Graham, on X. “They are serious when they say ‘death to America’,” he added. Governments worldwide have worked hard to evacuate citizens trapped by the Middle East conflict. Cities such as Dubai and Riyadh, long regarded as insulated from the region’s chaos, have been drawn into the crisis as the conflict spreads. On funding, the debate over Trump’s war authority reflects broader unease in Congress about the scope and duration of the military campaign. Officials told lawmakers in a briefing this week that operations in Iran could last several weeks and may require additional funding from Congress. Senators from both parties said the Pentagon could soon seek emergency funding to replenish weapon stocks and sustain the operation. The War Powers Act of 1973, which followed the Vietnam War, authorises Congress to compel a vote on military involvement and to constrain conflicts deemed unlawful to 60 days.