US senate weighs curbs on Trump’s war powers amid Iran conflict

The U.S. Senate is weighing measures to limit President Donald Trump’s war powers and plans to vote again next week on a resolution aimed at ending the military confrontation with Iran, Reuters reported.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told reporters in New York that lawmakers also want to require the White House to obtain congressional approval before launching any future military operations.

Schumer criticised the conflict with Iran, saying it had neither weakened Tehran’s leadership nor halted its nuclear programme, but had contributed to rising global energy prices.

The United States and Israel launched joint military operations against Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran responded with missile strikes on Israel and attacks on U.S. bases in Gulf countries.

The parties agreed on a two-week ceasefire overnight into April 8. Iran said it would ensure safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz during that period.