A resolution to end military operations in Iran, championed by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, was brought to a vote in the Senate on 24/9. However, Kaine's effort narrowly failed with 49 votes in favor and 50 against.

Four Republican senators voted in favor of the resolution, while Democratic Senator John Fetterman was the sole member of his party to vote against it. Democratic Senator Angela Alsobrooks was absent.

The resolution, which aimed to limit President Donald Trump's war powers, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in 7 with 214 votes in favor and 208 against, but it still required Senate approval.

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln conducting operations in the Middle East on 10/3. *U.S. Navy photo.*

This marked the 14th time the Senate had considered a war powers resolution since Trump initiated military operations against Iran on 28/2. In 6, both chambers of the U.S. Congress had previously passed a non-binding resolution "calling on the President to withdraw troops" from the Iran operation.

War powers resolutions passed by the U.S. Congress primarily serve to express political viewpoints, lacking full legal force and not requiring presidential signature. Nevertheless, they remain one of the most potent tools for the U.S. legislative branch to oppose government military actions, alongside its budgetary authority.

With this latest resolution, Republican Senator Thom Tillis voted for the first time to support halting the Iran operation, arguing that the conflict had dragged on for too long without congressional approval. He stated that the administration needed to explain the objectives of current military actions and the conditions for ending the operation.

“We need answers. We need to know what success looks like,” Tillis stated.

An aircraft hangar at Buehring base destroyed after an attack from Iran at an undisclosed time. *CBS photo.*

The Iran conflict is becoming a political flashpoint for Republican lawmakers, with fuel prices rising and the midterm elections approaching. The average national gasoline price in the U.S. increased from under 3 USD/gallon before the conflict to approximately 4,5 USD/gallon. Diesel prices, which were around 3,52 USD/gallon in 1, surged to a record 6,52 USD/gallon by the end of 9.

The U.S. Department of Defense informed congressional defense committees that the cost of the operation targeting Iran, as of 3/9, totaled 43,6 billion USD. This amount included 11,2 billion USD for operational costs, 28,1 billion USD for ammunition, and 4,3 billion USD for replacing damaged military equipment.

Republican lawmakers believe the economic impact of the conflict is pressuring the party's candidates in the midterm elections. Senator John Kennedy urged Trump to deliver a speech clearly explaining the strategy and objectives of the Iran operation.

Thanh Danh (According to AP, Hill)