US Senate passes ‘symbolic’ Iran War Powers Resolution following killing of commander Qasem Soleimani

In a rare display of cross-party unity, Republicans and Democrats voted to limit President Donald Trump’s ability to war with Iran, just over a month after a drone strike killed top commander Qasem Soleimani.

The Senate has voted to require President Donald Trump to seek congressional authorisation before taking further military action against Iran, in a bid to control the US President’s actions and keep the precarious peace between Tehran and Washington.

Democrats joined together with eight rebellious Republicans to curtail the president’s war-making powers, with the bipartisan vote passing 55 to 45.

It comes just a week after the same Senate voted to acquit him of impeachment charges, some six weeks after the president moved without authorisation from Congress and ordered the killing of Soleimani.

While Trump is expected to veto the legislation, he warned the Senate on Wednesday to vote it down and not limit his policy choices.

"It is very important for our Country's SECURITY that the United States Senate not vote for the Iran War Powers Resolution," he tweeted.

"We are doing very well with Iran and this is not the time to show weakness... If my hands were tied, Iran would have a field day. Sends a very bad signal. The Democrats are only doing this as an attempt to embarrass the Republican Party."

The resolution is mostly symbolic, as support fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to override Trump's promise to veto.

The House had passed a similar measure last month – that too fell short of the two-thirds margin.

Eight Republicans reneged on Trump’s instructions to vote against the resolution, and this could spell trouble for the US president.