In a significant challenge to President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, the US Senate has approved legislation directing the administration to halt military action against Iran, reflecting growing concern in Congress over the conflict.

The Senate passed the war powers resolution by a narrow 50-48 vote on Tuesday. The measure, which had already cleared the House of Representatives earlier this month, seeks to require congressional approval for any further military hostilities against Iran, except in cases involving self-defence or imminent threats.

The vote marked a rare instance of bipartisan opposition to Trump, with four Republican senators joining Democrats in backing the resolution. Democratic Senator John Fetterman voted against the measure, while two Republican senators were absent during the voting process.

Growing unease over Iran conflict

The resolution highlights increasing unease among lawmakers over the conflict with Iran, which began in February. Several members of Congress have argued that prolonged military engagement should not continue without explicit authorisation from lawmakers, citing Congress’s constitutional authority to declare war.

Although the Senate’s action represents a political setback for Trump, its practical impact remains uncertain. The White House has maintained that such resolutions are unconstitutional and has argued that the president retains broad authority over military operations. Legal experts also note that enforcing the measure could ultimately require judicial intervention.

The latest vote comes amid wider debate in Washington over the extent of presidential war powers and congressional oversight during overseas military engagements.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Monday that he will step down as leader of the governing Labour Party and leave office within weeks, ending a turbulent tenure that lasted less than two years.

Starmer said he would remain as caretaker prime minister until the Labour Party elects a new leader, with the transition expected to be completed before Parliament returns in September. The announcement came after increasing pressure from within his party amid falling popularity and growing concerns over Labour’s political fortunes.

Pressure within Labour intensifies

The resignation follows days of speculation over Starmer’s future after former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham emerged as a strong challenger within the party. Burnham’s recent victory in a special parliamentary election intensified calls for a leadership change and added to the pressure on Starmer to step aside.

Starmer led Labour to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, bringing the party back to power after 14 years in opposition. However, his government’s popularity declined sharply over the past year as Labour struggled in opinion polls and local elections.

Emotional announcement outside Downing Street

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, an emotional Starmer said every major decision he had taken had been guided by what he believed was best for the country. He also said he now wanted to spend more time with his family while ensuring a smooth transfer of power.

His departure makes him the sixth British prime minister in the past decade to leave office before completing a full term, highlighting continued political instability in the United Kingdom.

The Labour Party is expected to begin the process of choosing its next leader in the coming weeks, with Andy Burnham widely seen as a leading contender.

At least 54 people were injured and 18 others remained missing after an explosion and fire struck a gas facility in Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, one of the world’s most important natural gas hubs.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening at the Barzan gas supply facility during the start-up of operations, according to state-owned energy company QatarEnergy. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the site, and authorities later confirmed that the fire had been brought under control.

Rescue teams continue search operation

Qatar’s Interior Ministry said 54 people had been injured in the blast, while specialised search and rescue teams, working alongside Civil Defence personnel, were continuing efforts to locate 18 individuals reported missing. Authorities described the incident as a “technical accident” and said there was no gas leak posing a threat to public safety.

Ras Laffan Industrial City, located north of Doha, serves as Qatar’s main liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing centre and is a crucial part of the country’s energy infrastructure. The Barzan facility primarily supplies gas to Qatar’s domestic market.

Cause under investigation

QatarEnergy has not yet disclosed the extent of any damage to the facility. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion, while flames and thick smoke were seen rising from the industrial complex. Officials have not indicated whether the incident will affect broader energy operations at Ras Laffan.