The Republican-led Senate has rejected the latest Democratic attempt to halt US President Donald Trump’s war in Iran, turning aside a resolution that would require the US to withdraw forces from the conflict until Congress authorises further action. The 47-52 vote was the fourth time this year that the Senate has voted to cede its war powers to the president in a conflict that Democrats say is illegal and unjustified.

 

Under the War Powers Act of 1973, Congress must declare war or authorise use of force within 60 days of its start – a deadline that will arrive at the end of this month. The law provides for a potential 30-day extension of that deadline, but lawmakers have made clear that they want the administration to soon lay out a plan for the end of the conflict.