The Senate on Wednesday rejected a second attempt to limit President Donald Trump’s military operations in Iran. Lawmakers voted 48–53 against a war powers resolution introduced by Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.).
The vote largely followed party lines. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) joined Democrats in supporting the measure, while Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) voted against it.
The resolution argued that the administration had engaged in “massive and ongoing” military activity in Iran. It also claimed Congress had been sidelined as the conflict escalated. Similar to a previous proposal from Sen. Tim Kaine, the measure would have required the president to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities not explicitly authorized by Congress.
More Democratic senators are expected to introduce similar war powers measures in the coming days. This effort aims to push lawmakers to take clear positions on the issue. According to reports, a related vote also failed 53–47.
Presidents from both parties have historically viewed the War Powers Act of 1973 as an unconstitutional limit on executive authority. The law has never been reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Fetterman broke with his party and opposed a similar resolution two weeks earlier. Paul, meanwhile, supported Democrats in both votes.
Supporters of the measure, along with a related House effort that also failed, acknowledged the difficulty of passing such legislation. Republicans, who control Congress, largely support the military actions.
However, advocates stressed the importance of these votes in holding lawmakers accountable. This is especially relevant given Trump’s opposition to seeking congressional approval for joint U.S.-Israeli operations in Iran.
🚨 BREAKING: The US Senate has just REJECTED advancing the Democrats' War Powers Resolution that would block President Trump's Operation Epic Fury, 47-53
John Fetterman (D-PA) voted with Republicans
Trump WINS AGAIN, full-steam ahead to victory! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/WHfGCkGQpj
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 18, 2026
Earlier this month, Fetterman defended Trump’s actions targeting Iran’s nuclear program. He described them as “entirely appropriate” and said operations should continue against Iran’s leadership.
“Just keep killing them until they’re gone,” Fetterman said in an interview on CNN. He added that such actions could pressure future leadership to pursue peace and regional stability.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reportedly killed in joint U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting his compound and nuclear program. He had led the country for more than three decades.
Some international reports suggest Iran’s Assembly of Experts selected his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as a successor. However, there are claims he may also have been killed.
An Israeli airstrike reportedly hit a building during a meeting of officials involved in the selection process. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that any new leader would be targeted.
“It does not matter what his name is or where he hides,” Katz said in a post, calling the strategy a key part of ongoing military objectives.
He added that Israel would continue working with the United States to weaken Iran’s regime and create conditions for internal change.
Israel has made clear that regime change is one of its goals. U.S. officials, however, say their focus remains on eliminating nuclear and missile threats, not nation-building.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the mission targets security risks. Despite this, President Trump has encouraged the Iranian people to take control of their government.
