WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Fetterman has taken a controversial stance on the ongoing military conflict with Iran, indicating he will not support a Democratic-led war powers resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump’s authority to continue hostilities. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from fellow Democrats and some Republicans, who argue the administration has not provided sufficient justification for the attacks.

Support for Trump’s Actions

Fetterman has repeatedly praised Trump’s decision to intervene in Iran, making him the only Senate Democrat to publicly endorse the military action. In multiple Fox News interviews since the attacks began, he has dismissed the war powers resolution as an “empty gesture.”

The resolution, set for a Senate vote as soon as Wednesday, seeks to remove U.S. forces from hostilities in or against Iran unless authorized by Congress. It comes amid growing concerns over the potential for a prolonged U.S. military presence in the Middle East.

Fetterman’s position stands in contrast to that of many of his Democratic colleagues, who have condemned the conflict as unnecessary and illegal. U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, a Navy veteran who served in Iraq, called the conflict “unnecessary” and criticized the administration for failing to present a clear rationale for the attacks.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

Deluzio and other lawmakers have argued that Trump acted without congressional approval, violating the War Powers Act. They have also pointed out that the administration has not provided evidence that the attacks prevented imminent threats to Americans or that ground troops would not be deployed.

“They’re not telling the truth,” Deluzio said on CNN. “The argument that there was an imminent threat of nuclear attack on the American people is bogus on its face. We know the Iranians don’t have that capacity.”

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, D-Swissvale, has highlighted the human cost of the conflict, noting that children and American troops were reportedly killed over the weekend. She described the conflict as “insanely unpopular, dangerous, and illegal,” and called on Congress to pass a War Powers Resolution immediately.

Republican Support and Constitutional Justifications

Fetterman has aligned himself with Republican Sen. Dave McCormick, who has also defended the military action. McCormick, an Army veteran who served in Iraq during the Gulf War, argued that Iran poses a “significant military risk” and that the administration’s decision was justified.

In a CBS interview prior to the strikes, McCormick said he did not believe there was a high likelihood of American troops being deployed to Iran. However, he reiterated that the administration had the constitutional authority to act.

Fetterman has similarly argued that Trump’s actions were within his constitutional authority, though he described the threat from Iran as “not imminent” but “entirely appropriate” to address with military force. He criticized previous diplomatic efforts as ineffective and praised the reported killing of Iranian leaders.

“If you want real peace, tweets and harsh language aren’t going to work,” Fetterman said on Fox News. “I’m just baffled why people can’t just celebrate the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other leaders of the Iranian regime.”

Public opinion appears to be against the strikes, with multiple polls showing that a majority of Americans disapprove. A CNN poll found that about six in 10 Americans disapprove of the attacks, while a Washington Post survey found 52% share the same sentiment. Only a quarter of respondents in a Reuters/Ipsos poll approved of the strikes.

“Folks at home want cheaper health care, cheaper housing,” Deluzio said on CNN. “They don’t want billions spent on unnecessary wars overseas and Americans coming home in flag-draped caskets. It’s not what people voted for.”

The Democratic-sponsored resolution is likely to face significant opposition, as Republicans control both chambers of Congress and have largely supported the administration’s actions. It remains unclear whether any other Senate Democrats will join Fetterman in opposing the resolution.

Fetterman, who has often criticized his colleagues for bringing up votes that are set to fail, has taken a more forceful stance in recent days. He has celebrated the reported killing of Iranian leaders and emphasized his belief that the country’s interests must come first.

“Country over party,” he said, echoing a favorite phrase on Fox News. “What the base demands means nothing to me.”