The U.S. Senate has backed President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran, voting on Wednesday to block a bipartisan resolution that sought to halt airstrikes and require congressional authorization for any hostilities.

Lawmakers voted 53-47 against advancing the resolution, largely along party lines. All but one Republican opposed the procedural motion, while nearly all Democrats supported it. The measure aimed to reaffirm Congress’s constitutional authority to declare war, but opponents argued that Trump’s actions were within his powers as commander in chief.

Supporters of the resolution claimed it was necessary to prevent unchecked military escalation. However, critics insisted the strikes were limited and intended to protect U.S. interests, warning that restricting presidential authority could endanger American forces.

“This is not a forever war, indeed not even close to it. This is going to end very quickly,” said Republican Senator Jim Risch, speaking against the resolution.

The initiative faced little chance of success as Republicans hold slim majorities in both chambers of Congress and have previously blocked similar efforts. Proponents vowed to continue pushing for oversight, and some Republicans supporting the procedural block still called for greater transparency regarding the administration’s Iran strategy.

Debate over U.S. military involvement in the Middle East centers on concerns that escalating strikes could drag the country into prolonged conflict. “Today senators face a choice—stand with the American people who are tired of war in the Middle East, or side with Donald Trump,” said Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, a co-sponsor of the resolution.

With upcoming elections that could shift congressional control toward Democrats, the prospect of a prolonged conflict remains politically sensitive. A recent poll indicated limited public support for the strikes, with many Americans expressing concern about the use of military force.

The debate also extends beyond Iran, as U.S. forces have engaged in operations against drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific and previously deployed troops to Venezuela in operations targeting Nicolas Maduro’s government.

House lawmakers are expected to vote on a similar resolution. House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed confidence that the measure will fail, arguing that restricting military action could undermine U.S. national security.

Even if such a resolution were approved by Congress, it would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override a presidential veto—an outcome analysts consider unlikely given current political divisions.