Senate passes resolution urging withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iran

The Senate voted 50-48 on Tuesday to adopt a war powers resolution that directs the president to withdraw U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran unless a formal declaration of war or congressional authorization is issued. Four Republican senators joined the majority of Democrats in supporting the measure; two Republicans abstained and two Democrats opposed it.

The resolution, previously approved by the House, is nonbinding and represents the first successful passage of a war powers amendment in the Senate. It states that U.S. forces must be removed from Iran unless explicitly authorized by Congress.

The vote occurred amid growing dissent among some GOP senators toward President Trump's approach to Iran, including opposition from Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker, Tom Cotton and Ted Cruz. Senate leadership, including Mitch McConnell and Dave McCormick, were absent due to health and scheduling reasons.

The decision follows recent diplomatic activity, with Vice President JD Vance returning from Switzerland after high-level talks with Iran that he described as laying a “good foundation” for a final agreement.