On June 23 local time, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution demanding that U.S. President Donald Trump cease military actions against Iran. Trump immediately responded by criticizing the Senate, calling the resolution a “comfort for Iran” and an obstacle to negotiations.
On that day, Trump posted on the 'Real Social Media' platform saying: 'Now, I have pushed Iran to a 'dead end'. They are ready to surrender and are willing to accept almost all of our conditions. For the first time in decades, Iran is respecting the United States as much as it respects me, as president.'
“Coincidentally, the US Senate held a meaningless vote on the "War Powers Act" in an inappropriate manner. This essentially told this 'global top sponsor of terrorism' that the US doesn't recognize my actions concerning Iran and forced me to cease all action. This act by the Senate is equivalent to giving the enemy support and comfort.”
He criticized, “Four uncomplying Republican senators have joined forces with those idiots from the Democratic Party. Iran even asked my team, ‘What does this really mean?’ These senators only make my job more difficult, but I will complete it anyway, because I can always do it!”
On June 23 local time, John Tunn, the Republican leader of the Senate, gave an interview to media before meeting with Trump. Associated Press
According to Reuters and AP, on June 23 local time, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution authorizing military action in Iran with 50 votes in favor and 48 votes against. The resolution requires Trump to end U.S. military operations in Iran without declaring war or receiving authorization from Congress.
Four members of the Republican Party, together with all Democrats except for one, cast a "yes" vote on the bill. Two Republican senators were absent and did not vote. The House of Representatives had already passed this bill earlier in the month.
After the resolution was passed, Senator Chuck Schumer of the Democratic party caucus said: “The Senate has repeatedly stood with Trump and his war stance instead of standing with the American people time and again.”
Schumer said that American citizens have paid the price for Trump's “historical mistake” regarding the Iran issue, and that “this will be recorded in history as one of the worst diplomatic policies in U.S. history.”
This is the first time in over a decade since the enactment of the War Powers Act in 1973 that both the House and Senate of the United States have passed such a resolution together. However, since this resolution is a joint resolution of Congress and does not have any legal force, nor requires the signature of the President, it mainly serves a symbolic purpose.
Reuters noted that although this vote is likely to be symbolic only, it still represents a political setback for Trump. Not long ago, he could have received almost unanimous support from Republican members of Congress. The voting results show that the war against Iran, which began on February 28th, is unpopular, and even among some members of Trump’s Republican party, concerns about this situation are growing.
