WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised the Senate’s decision to approve a War Powers Act resolution aimed at restricting military action against Iran, arguing that the move could weaken Washington’s position in its dealings with Tehran.
In a statement posted on social media, Trump said the Senate vote was poorly timed and risked sending the wrong signal to Iranian leaders at a critical stage in negotiations.
The president claimed Iran was under significant pressure and prepared to make major concessions, asserting that the congressional action had complicated his administration’s efforts to secure an agreement with the Islamic republic.
According to Trump, the resolution conveyed a message that the United States lacked unity in its approach towards Iran, potentially undermining Washington’s leverage at a time when he believes Tehran is seeking a way out of the confrontation.
The Senate voted on Tuesday to back a measure directing the president to remove US armed forces from hostilities involving Iran. Although the resolution reflects growing concern in Congress over the conflict, the White House has maintained that the legislation is unconstitutional and not legally binding.
Responding to the vote, Trump accused lawmakers of interfering with his strategy and argued that the measure provided encouragement to a longstanding adversary of the United States.
He also criticised the four Republican senators who joined Democrats in supporting the resolution, dismissing them as political “losers” and accusing them of making his task more difficult.
Despite the setback, Trump insisted that the vote would not alter his determination to pursue his objectives. “These senators have just made my job more difficult, but I will get it done, one way or the other,” he said, expressing confidence that his administration would ultimately achieve its goals.
The latest exchange highlights growing tensions between the White House and Congress over the scope of presidential authority in military affairs, as debate continues over the US role in the conflict with Iran and the prospects for a negotiated settlement.
Background
The Senate’s vote was carried out under the framework of the War Powers Act, a law designed to strengthen congressional oversight of military engagements.
While supporters argue the measure is intended to prevent prolonged military involvement without legislative approval, the Trump administration contends that it infringes on the president’s constitutional powers as commander-in-chief.
