The U.S. Senate on Wednesday rejected the fourth Democratic-led war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's authority to conduct military operations against Iran, voting 52-47 against advancing the measure. The procedural vote fell largely along party lines, with all Republicans except Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky opposing it, joined by Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia did not vote.

Sponsored by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., the resolution invoked the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing forces to hostilities and withdraw them within 60 days, absent a declaration of war or specific authorization. Democrats have forced similar votes three times earlier this year, on March 4, March 18, and March 24, each failing by similar margins.

The conflict with Iran began on February 28 with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes known as Operation Epic Fury. Now in its seventh week, the war prompted a fragile two-week ceasefire that expires April 21. A 60-day clock under the War Powers Resolution, starting from the administration's early March notification to Congress, nears its end around May 1, after which Trump could seek a 30-day extension.

Trump recently stated his administration is "on track to complete all of America’s military objectives shortly, very shortly," and plans to "hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks." Republicans praised the military's progress and dismissed the resolutions as political theater. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., expressed satisfaction with achievements so far but called for a wind-down plan. "I think we need to let the president of the United States handle this," said Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala.

Some Republicans voiced concerns over the war's duration and economic fallout, including oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel, natural gas costs up over 80 percent, and surging fertilizer prices impacting farmers. Sens. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., Mike Rounds, R-S.D., and others urged more briefings and an exit strategy.

Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., vowed to continue forcing votes. Duckworth accused Trump of spiraling "out of control at the expense of our national security." Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who has led the effort, hopes the approaching deadline marks a "watershed moment." A White House official criticized the moves as undermining the commander-in-chief.

GOP senators like Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., and others called the repeated pushes "exhausting," predicting more debate if supplemental funding over $200 billion is requested. The Senate's action maintains Trump's flexibility as the ceasefire nears its end and the legal deadline looms.