Middle East

Senate Republicans shut down a Democrat-led bid to shackle President Trump’s Iran campaign, signaling Congress will not handicap U.S. defenses while Tehran pushes its nuclear ambitions.  Senate rejected a war powers curb on a 47-53 vote, preserving Trump’s operational latitude against Iran. Republican leadership framed the vote as prioritizing Iran nuclear deterrence over partisan obstruction. This marked the fourth failed attempt since February 28, underscoring persistent but unsuccessful pressure on the White House.  Vote split largely by party; Senator Rand Paul was the lone Republican supporting the resolution.