The Senate on Tuesday approved a House-passed resolution aimed at reining in President Trump on Iran, signifying a rebuke of the president's handling of the conflict.
In a 50 to 48 vote, four Republicans joined the bulk of Senate Democrats in support of the measure.
The resolution directs the president to 'remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran,' unless Congress declares war or authorizes the use of military force. The measure is a concurrent resolution, meaning it doesn't require the president's signature. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 says that the president must withdraw forces from hostilities 'if the Congress so directs by concurrent resolution.'
Rep. Gregory Meeks, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and introduced the measure, said he plans to 'explore all legal avenues to ensure the Executive complies with the will of Congress.'
'Regardless of what President Trump says, this measure is binding under the War Powers Resolution,' said Meeks in a statement. 'Congress never authorized this failed war, and the president certainly has no authority to continue it indefinitely without our consent as the Constitution demands.'
Public sentiment is overwhelmingly opposed to the U.S. war in Iran, with 69% of Americans stating the conflict is not worth the cost. Following months of military action and subsequent peace talks, polling shows deep skepticism regarding the necessity, economic toll, and strategic outcomes of the campaign.
A Reuters/Ipsos survey revealed that only 24% of Americans believe the war was worth its costs, which include casualties, billions in military spending and an energy crisis.
A CBS News poll found that 78% of the public supports ending the conflict now.
Nearly 60% of respondents in Navigator Research and Institute for Global Affairs data assert that the war created more problems than it solved, doubting that it permanently stopped Iran's nuclear program.