WASHINGTON: The US Senate approved a resolution challenging the Trump administration’s Iran policy, voting to end the military blockade around Iran and push for the withdrawal of American troops from the conflict zone.
The move marks the first time since the start of the Iran crisis that the Senate has backed a measure that could require congressional approval for any future U.S. military action against Iran.
The resolution passed by a narrow 50-47 margin.
According to foreign media reports, four Republican senators broke ranks and voted with Democrats in support of the measure. They included Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul and Bill Cassidy.
Under the resolution, the administration would need formal authorization from Congress to continue military operations against Iran.
The Senate is expected to hold formal debate and a final vote on the measure, where Republican leadership may attempt to block its passage.
Democratic Senator John Fetterman was the only member of his party to oppose the resolution.
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Bill Cassidy’s support for the measure surprised political observers, as he recently lost support within his party after US President Donald Trump backed a rival candidate against him in a Republican primary contest.
