US Senate Backs Trump on Iran War Despite Deadline Lapse

The Iran flag flutters from a tall flagpole over high-rise buildings in northern Tehran on May 12, 2026. (AFP)
The Iran flag flutters from a tall flagpole over high-rise buildings in northern Tehran on May 12, 2026. (AFP)
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US Senate Backs Trump on Iran War Despite Deadline Lapse

The Iran flag flutters from a tall flagpole over high-rise buildings in northern Tehran on May 12, 2026. (AFP)
The Iran flag flutters from a tall flagpole over high-rise buildings in northern Tehran on May 12, 2026. (AFP)

US senators on Wednesday rejected a resolution curbing President Donald Trump's power to wage war on Iran -- their first vote on the conflict since a 60-day deadline expired for the White House to seek formal authorization.

The measure, introduced by Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, was the seventh failed attempt by Democrats to rein in Trump's war powers since the conflict began more than 10 weeks ago.

Democrats say that, under the War Powers Act, the administration had until May 1 to secure congressional approval for military action after Trump notified lawmakers in early March of strikes against Iran.

The administration disputes that interpretation, arguing that the clock was paused by a ceasefire announced more than a month ago.