A key resolution seeking to limit the President’s authority to take military action against Iran failed in the US Senate on Thursday. The measure was rejected by a very narrow margin of 49-50.

Republican Senator Dave McCormick from Pennsylvania did not participate in the vote; had he voted, the outcome might have been different.

What did the resolution entail?

The aim of the resolution was to require President Donald Trump to obtain approval from the US Congress before launching any new attack against Iran. Had the resolution passed, the President would not have been able to decide on war unilaterally. The resolution remains stalled in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Its sponsors wanted it brought directly to the full Senate for debate and a vote. However, due to insufficient support, lawmakers will now have to make another attempt to advance it.

Demand arose following Trump’s attacks

Following the airstrikes carried out by President Trump against Iran in recent weeks, opposition Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans had been consistently demanding that major decisions—such as going to war—require Congressional approval. They argue that, under the Constitution, the authority to declare war rests with Congress, not the President.

However, in Thursday’s vote, the Republican majority voted against the resolution. They maintain that the President should have the freedom to make swift decisions regarding foreign policy and national security.

Iran issues warning to the US

Meanwhile, a strong reaction has also come from Iran. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the US bears full responsibility for the civilian deaths caused by American bombing on Qeshm Island. Ghalibaf warned that the US would have to pay a price for this.