The United States Senate on Wednesday rejected a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict with Iran, marking a dramatic reversal just a day after lawmakers approved a measure calling for an end to the war.
The development came amid reports of intense pressure from Trump, who openly criticized the earlier vote and reportedly confronted Republican senators during a closed-door meeting on Capitol Hill.
On Tuesday, the Senate voted 50-48 in favor of a resolution urging an end to the Iran war, delivering a rare bipartisan rebuke to the White House as the administration pursues negotiations with Tehran. Although largely symbolic, the measure signaled growing concern among lawmakers over the president’s military authority.
However, the political landscape shifted on Wednesday when senators voted 50-47 to defeat a separate resolution that sought to further challenge Trump’s approach to the conflict.
President Trump had condemned Tuesday’s vote as “poorly timed and meaningless,” arguing that it complicated ongoing diplomatic efforts. According to U.S. media reports, Trump expressed his frustration during a private lunch with Republican lawmakers on Wednesday.
The pressure appeared to have an immediate effect, as Republican Senators Rand Paul and Bill Cassidy, who had previously supported congressional oversight of the administration’s actions toward Iran, reportedly changed their positions and voted in line with the president, according to CNN.
Despite Wednesday’s vote, the Senate’s earlier resolution remains intact, though its practical impact is limited because Trump retains the power to veto any legislation that seeks to restrict executive authority.
Reacting to the latest outcome, Trump struck a triumphant tone on his Truth Social platform, declaring: “This vote puts Iran on notice!”
Details of the president’s closed-door meeting also emerged, with Senator John Kennedy describing Trump as “mad as a murder hornet” during the gathering. Other lawmakers who attended reportedly told The New York Times that the president spent much of the meeting airing grievances and complaints.
The episode highlights Trump’s continued influence over Republican lawmakers and underscores the ongoing debate in Washington over presidential war powers and U.S. policy toward Iran.
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