Congressional Democrats are moving to force votes in the House and Senate to block President Donald Trump from launching military action against Iran without prior congressional approval.
The effort follows stalled nuclear talks in Geneva between U.S. and Iranian negotiators. While Omani officials said “significant progress” was made, no agreement was reached, and discussions are expected to continue next week.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said he will introduce a war powers resolution in the Senate, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced a vote on a bipartisan measure introduced by Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.). The resolutions would require Trump to seek congressional authorization before initiating hostilities.
Democrats argue that entering another Middle East conflict without full debate would be reckless and unconstitutional under the 1973 War Powers Act.
President Trump, however, has warned that Iran continues pursuing nuclear capabilities despite U.S. strikes on key facilities in June. During his State of the Union address, he said Tehran is developing missiles capable of striking U.S. interests abroad and potentially the American mainland.
Lawmakers remain divided. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) suggested military intervention may ultimately be necessary, while Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) urged restraint and congressional consultation.
With diplomacy uncertain and tensions rising, Congress now faces a pivotal vote over presidential war authority and America’s next move in the Middle East.
