The U.S. Senate rejected a war powers resolution Wednesday that would have required congressional approval for further military action against Iran, clearing the way for President Donald Trump to intensify the ongoing conflict. Hours later, a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, marking the first such torpedo strike since World War II. At the same time, Israel launched a fresh wave of airstrikes on military targets in Tehran.

The resolution, led by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., failed on a 47-53 vote, with nearly all Democrats and one Republican, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, supporting it. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., was the lone Democrat to oppose the measure. Kaine argued during floor debate that the administration's operations constituted war, requiring Congress's constitutional involvement. "This is war," he said. Republicans, including Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, countered that the measure would undermine U.S. forces mid-conflict.

A similar House resolution faces a vote Thursday but is expected to fail in the Republican-controlled chamber. The votes marked Congress's first formal response to the U.S.-Israeli campaign, now in its fifth day.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the sinking of the Iranian frigate Iris Dena, with about 180 crew aboard; 32 were rescued, and over 80 bodies recovered. Hegseth said more U.S. forces were en route to the region and that operations were accelerating, with expectations of full control over Iranian airspace soon. "America is winning decisively," he told reporters. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed strikes on Iranian command centers and missile sites, including over 100 warplanes dropping 250 bombs on a Tehran compound housing Revolutionary Guard units.

The conflict erupted on February 28 after U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iran's nuclear sites and leadership, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with missiles and drones at U.S. bases in the Gulf and Israel, killing six American service members in a Kuwait port attack. Over 1,000 people have died in Iran from coalition airstrikes, with additional casualties in Lebanon, where Israel advanced against Hezbollah.

Trump rated progress "about a 15" on a scale of 10 and predicted the war could last weeks. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Iran's leaders were "paying in blood" for decades of terrorism sponsorship. Iranian missile launches have dropped 86% amid degraded defenses, per U.S. Central Command.

Oil prices climbed, with Brent crude at $82.76 a barrel, as shipping in the Strait of Hormuz was halted. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledged insurance backstops for tankers. Evacuations continued for Americans in the region.