World
U.S. Senate passes resolution to curb Trump's war powers on Iran
The passage of the resolution marked the first time such a measure has cleared both chambers of Congress since the conflict began in February and signaled growing opposition to Trump's handling of the war.
US President Donald Trump. (AFP photo)
By: Xinhua News Agency, Journalist @New Vision
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The U.S. Senate on Tuesday passed a war powers resolution on Iran, restricting President Donald Trump from launching further military operations in Iran without congressional approval.
The passage of the resolution marked the first time such a measure has cleared both chambers of Congress since the conflict began in February and signaled growing opposition to Trump's handling of the war.
The Iran War Powers Resolution passed in Senate by a vote of 50 to 48, with four Republicans joining most Senate Democrats in support of the measure. One Democrat voted against it.
The resolution "directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted," according to a summary of the legislation published on the Congress website.
It also reaffirms Congress' constitutional authority to declare war and initiate military hostilities, with supporters arguing that the war against Iran amounted to an unauthorized "war of choice."
Some U.S. media outlets described the resolution's passage as largely symbolic.
"But Tuesday's resolution will likely be largely symbolic, since the administration argues that U.S. forces are not currently engaged in hostilities with Iran," CBS News reported.
NBC News noted that "the largely symbolic measure's passage comes as the U.S. and Iran are in the early stages of talks aimed at ending the war."
Democrats, however, argued that a war powers resolution remains necessary even after the United States reached a deal to end the conflict.
It also reaffirms Congress' constitutional authority to declare war and initiate military hostilities, with supporters arguing that the war against Iran amounted to an unauthorized "war of choice."
Some U.S. media outlets described the resolution's passage as largely symbolic.
"But Tuesday's resolution will likely be largely symbolic, since the administration argues that U.S. forces are not currently engaged in hostilities with Iran," CBS News reported.
NBC News noted that "the largely symbolic measure's passage comes as the U.S. and Iran are in the early stages of talks aimed at ending the war."
Democrats, however, argued that a war powers resolution remains necessary even after the United States reached a deal to end the conflict.
"I think it's a good time to have the vote to say, 'Hey, if we're really in a period of maybe some stability here, let's not just allow it to start up again without Congress being involved in that decision,'" Senator Tim Kaine told reporters last week, according to CNN.
Meanwhile in Islamabad, Pakistan and Iran reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace, dialogue and diplomacy on Tuesday.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the two countries also pledged to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors.
On Wednesday, the prime minister issued the statement hours after seeing off visiting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, saying that the two leaders held warm and cordial discussions focused on regional stability, bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.
According to the prime minister, the meeting was their first since the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran and the conclusion of the first round of technical talks held in Burgenstock, Switzerland.
The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region and emphasized the importance of resolving outstanding issues through dialogue and diplomacy, Sharif said.
The prime minister also thanked the Iranian leadership for its trust in Pakistan as a friend, neighbor and mediator, reiterating Islamabad's commitment to working closely with Tehran for peace, progress and prosperity.
Both sides agreed to expand cooperation and further strengthen the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Iran in all areas of mutual interest.
Meanwhile in Islamabad, Pakistan and Iran reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace, dialogue and diplomacy on Tuesday.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the two countries also pledged to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors.
On Wednesday, the prime minister issued the statement hours after seeing off visiting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, saying that the two leaders held warm and cordial discussions focused on regional stability, bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.
According to the prime minister, the meeting was their first since the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran and the conclusion of the first round of technical talks held in Burgenstock, Switzerland.
The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region and emphasized the importance of resolving outstanding issues through dialogue and diplomacy, Sharif said.
The prime minister also thanked the Iranian leadership for its trust in Pakistan as a friend, neighbor and mediator, reiterating Islamabad's commitment to working closely with Tehran for peace, progress and prosperity.
Both sides agreed to expand cooperation and further strengthen the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Iran in all areas of mutual interest.