Collins Votes Against Iran War Powers Resolution, Warns It Would “Send the Wrong Message” to Tehran

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R) issued a statement following her vote on the Iran War Powers Resolution, arguing that the measure would undermine U.S. resolve at a time when the Iranian regime continues to pursue nuclear capabilities and expand its military arsenal.

Collins said the United States “cannot tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran,” citing Tehran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities, ballistic missile development, and backing of terrorist proxies as “serious and longstanding threats” to U.S. national security and that of American allies. She emphasized Iran’s stockpiles of missiles and one-way attack drones, as well as what she described as the regime’s industrial capacity to further expand its arsenal.

In her statement, Collins also pointed to Iran’s history of supporting terrorism, describing it as “the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism” and referencing attacks on Americans both directly and through proxies over decades. She cited the 1979 seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and subsequent hostage crisis, as well as attacks against American service members and civilians in multiple countries. Collins also referenced the October 7, 2023, massacre carried out by Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists, noting it killed 1,200 people, including 46 Americans.

At the same time, Collins stressed Congress’s constitutional role in matters of war and peace, stating that “sustained combat operations require full engagement with Congress.” She said the Administration has complied with War Powers Act notification requirements and has provided multiple classified briefings to lawmakers.

Collins concluded that passing the resolution now would “send the wrong message to Iran and to our troops,” arguing that the moment calls for “unequivocal support” for U.S. service members and continued consultation between the Administration and Congress.