US Senate Republicans blocked a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct further attacks against Iran, a vote that highlights the growing tension in Washington over the Middle East conflict. The legislation failed 47-53, marking the Senate’s first direct vote on the escalating US-Israel military operations in the region.
The resolution sought to require congressional approval before the president could authorize additional strikes. Its failure comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that the conflict could last eight weeks, extending beyond the administration’s initial expectations. At the Pentagon, Hegseth emphasized that the United States has deployed maximum air defence measures to protect American forces and allied troops, even while acknowledging that some Iranian attacks may still succeed. “This does not mean we can stop everything, but we ensured the maximum possible defence and maximum possible force protection was set up before we went on offence,” he said.
President Trump praised US troops for performing effectively on the battlefield, but the absence of a clear exit strategy has left many Americans uneasy about the nation’s growing involvement. Questions about the scope, objectives, and long-term impact of the conflict remain unresolved.
Air operations continued for a sixth day, with Iran launching missiles at Israel shortly after a US submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship near Sri Lankan waters, sinking it in international waters. In response, Israeli forces carried out strikes against Hezbollah positions in Beirut’s suburbs, triggering air raid sirens across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The initial surprise attacks by US and Israeli forces on Iran began on Saturday, with both sides intensifying operations by midweek.
Iran has maintained retaliatory strikes across Gulf states, including reported attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain, as neighboring nations brace for further escalation. Tehran has threatened the complete destruction of regional military and economic infrastructure. Authorities report that more than 1,000 people in Iran, over 70 in Lebanon, and about a dozen in Israel have died since the outbreak of hostilities.
The conflict has disrupted global energy markets, with oil and gas supply threatened by regional instability. International shipping has been affected, major airspace closures and flight cancellations have occurred, and widespread travel disruptions across the Middle East have left governments and civilians scrambling to respond. Analysts warn that without de-escalation or a political resolution, the situation could further destabilize the region and have lasting economic and humanitarian consequences.
