The United States Senate on Thursday voted down a Democratic proposal to withdraw American troops from Iran. The measure failed by a 47–50 vote, with Republican senators Susan Collins and Rand Paul breaking ranks to support it. The rejection came just one day before a key legal deadline for the Trump administration under the 1973 War Powers Resolution.

The War Powers Resolution allows a president to conduct military operations for up to 60 days without congressional approval. The Trump administration had notified Congress of the Iran operation on March 2, making Friday the final day of that period. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argued that the 60-day clock was paused due to a ceasefire, a claim Democrats rejected as unconstitutional. Senator Susan Collins emphasized that the president’s war powers are not unlimited and that Congress has a constitutional role in such decisions.

Democrats indicated they may pursue legal action if military operations continue without congressional authorization. However, experts noted that courts have historically avoided intervening in disputes over war powers, leaving the issue legally ambiguous.