The United States Senate has rejected a proposal that would have limited the authority of Donald Trump to continue military operations against Iran without approval from Congress.
The proposal sought to require Congressional authorization for any further military strikes. However, most Republicans opposed the measure, arguing that the president — as commander-in-chief — already has the authority to direct military operations.
Trump’s stance on the war
Trump stated that the United States and Israel will continue their military campaign against Iran.
Speaking at the White House, he warned that any Iranian official attempting to replace killed leaders could also be targeted.
“We are in a very strong position now. Their leadership is disappearing quickly. Anyone who wants to become leader will end up dead,” Trump said.
He also claimed the campaign is highly successful, rating it “15 out of 10” in terms of effectiveness.
According to Trump, the strikes were ordered to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to dismantle its ballistic missile arsenal, which he said is “disappearing rapidly.”
Debate inside the Senate
Democrats argued that Congress must have a say before the United States becomes more deeply involved in war.
- Chuck Schumer said lawmakers must decide whether to send “America’s sons and daughters” into danger.
- John Thune defended Trump, saying he is acting to protect American forces.
- Lindsey Graham called the proposal unconstitutional.
Escalation across the Middle East
The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has now entered its sixth day.
- Air traffic across the Middle East remains heavily disrupted.
- Several Western countries are evacuating thousands of citizens from the region.
- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization condemned Iran after alliance defenses intercepted a ballistic missile heading toward Turkey.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting three cruise missiles near the city of Al-Kharj.
Naval confrontation
The United States Department of Defense confirmed that a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship near the coast of Sri Lanka, killing at least 87 Iranian sailors, while 32 survived.
Tensions spreading to Lebanon
Fighting is also intensifying on Israel’s northern front.
After rockets were launched toward northern Israel by Hezbollah, Israel increased strikes in Lebanon.
The president of France, Emmanuel Macron, warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to launch a ground offensive in Lebanon, saying such escalation could destabilize the entire region.
