Senate Rejects Bid to Limit Trump’s Iran Powers After Republican Reversal

President Donald Trump scored a major political win in the U.S. Senate after key Republicans withdrew support for a Democratic-led effort to curb his authority on Iran. The resolution, introduced by Senator Tim Kaine, initially cleared the Senate in a surprise vote, but later failed after Republicans changed course.

The reversal followed meetings at the White House involving Senators Bill Cassidy and Rand Paul with Vice President J.D. Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff. Cassidy said he received a “comprehensive briefing” and added, “I appreciate the quick invitation to the White House to address many of my concerns.”

Paul, who chose to abstain, said, “Since it appears the hostilities have ended and the president asked me to consider his bargaining position, I will do so. My abstention is meant to give the president more room and leverage to achieve lasting peace.” Trump argued that the earlier vote hurt the U.S. negotiating position with Iran.

After the vote, Trump wrote, “The Senate changed its vote on Iran. Thank you to John Thune, Lindsey Graham, Bernie Moreno and everyone. This vote sends a message to Iran.” Democratic Senator Chris Murphy rejected that claim, saying Iranians “need only read polls to know that the American public does not support war.” Even so, the outcome was seen as an important achievement for Senate Republican leadership and for the administration’s push for a long-term agreement with Iran.