Lawmakers in the United States Senate are set to vote next week on a resolution aimed at restricting President Donald Trump’s authority to carry out further military action against Iran without congressional approval.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer announced the move on Wednesday, stressing that Congress must reassert its constitutional role, particularly at a time of heightened global tension.
The planned vote comes shortly after Trump agreed to a temporary two-week ceasefire with Iran, just hours before a deadline he had set for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Democrats have strongly criticised the president’s handling of the conflict, especially his warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if Iran failed to comply.
The remarks drew widespread concern internationally and intensified calls within the party for limits on executive war powers.
Schumer described the situation as dangerous and criticised the military campaign, arguing it had neither weakened Iran’s leadership nor curtailed its nuclear ambitions.
Meanwhile, Hakeem Jeffries, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, also called for a similar vote, saying lawmakers must act to end what he described as a “reckless” war.
Under the U.S. Constitution, the power to declare war rests with Congress.
However, presidents have historically exercised authority to launch limited military operations without prior approval, especially in cases framed as urgent national security responses.
The White House maintains that Trump’s actions fall within his rights as commander-in-chief, insisting the operations are lawful and necessary to protect U.S. interests.
Previous attempts by Democrats to pass similar war powers resolutions have failed, largely due to opposition from Republicans, who currently hold narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress and have largely supported Trump’s approach.
With divisions in Congress persisting, it remains unclear whether the latest effort will succeed.
However, the vote signals increasing pressure on the administration as the conflict with Iran continues to evolve.
