US Senate minority leader vows to push new vote to end Iran war

US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused President Donald Trump of illegally prolonging military hostilities with Iran beyond the 60-day limit set by the War Powers Act without congressional authorization. Speaking on the Senate floor on May 12, 2026, Schumer stated that Trump had dragged the US into an 'illegal, costly war' with no clear goals or endgame, despite the administration’s claims that the conflict had concluded. Schumer rejected the Trump administration’s argument that the 60-day deadline had paused due to a ceasefire, emphasizing that hostilities remained unresolved. He cited the collapse of recent negotiations with Iran as proof, declaring that the war was far from over. The latest round of talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement, and tensions persisted, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict escalated on February 28, 2026, when the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks from Tehran against Israel and US allies in the Gulf. A temporary ceasefire, brokered through Pakistani mediation, took effect on April 8 but was later extended by Trump without a defined end date. Schumer announced plans to force a seventh vote on a War Powers resolution aimed at withdrawing US troops from hostilities with Iran. He urged Republicans to support the measure, arguing it would uphold constitutional war powers, protect service members, and reduce military costs. If Republicans oppose the resolution, Schumer warned, they would share responsibility for the ongoing conflict. The Democratic leader stressed that the situation remained unstable, with no end in sight. He called on Congress to act swiftly to end the unauthorized military engagement, framing the vote as a critical step to restore accountability and prevent further escalation.