Live Updates: Trump says Iran “completely agreed” to nuclear inspections, but Tehran denies any such plans

Senate Passes War Powers Resolution on Iran, Marking a Rare Congressional Rebuke of Trump’s Strategy

Live Updates: Trump says Iran “completely agreed” to nuclear inspections, but Tehran denies any such plans – On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate took a significant step by approving a House-backed resolution concerning Iran, representing the first time such a measure has cleared both chambers of Congress. The vote, which passed 50 to 48, signaled a bipartisan critique of President Trump’s approach to the ongoing tensions with Iran. Four Republican senators—Susan Collins of Maine, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul of Kentucky—joined the majority of Democratic senators in supporting the resolution, while a few Republicans, including Mitch McConnell and Dave McCormick, chose not to cast their votes.

The resolution, a concurrent measure, calls on the president to “withdraw U.S. military forces from active hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran” unless Congress formally declares war or authorizes the use of force. Although it lacks the binding power of legislation, the document serves as a symbolic endorsement of a more cautious approach to the conflict. This move comes amid growing concerns over the administration’s handling of Iran’s nuclear program and its broader geopolitical strategies in the region.

Iranian Football Team Eases Entry Restrictions, Sparking Diplomatic Tensions

Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security announced that U.S. immigration officials would permit the Iranian World Cup squad to enter the country two days before their match against Egypt. This adjustment slightly loosens earlier restrictions, which had limited the team’s access to the United States. Previously, the Iranians were only allowed to enter the U.S. the day before a game, after training in Mexico. The change has drawn mixed reactions, with some lawmakers questioning its impact on national security and others viewing it as a gesture of goodwill.

The team’s schedule remains tight, as they must depart the U.S. the evening of their match. During their first game against New Zealand, players reported being abruptly removed from the locker room, raising concerns about the efficiency of their preparations. Iran’s performance in the tournament has been notable, securing draws in their initial two matches. A victory over Egypt could position them for advancement to the knockout stage, highlighting the stakes of the competition.

“The overall security protocols and procedures are consistent. Our goal is to ensure the safest possible environment for players, staff, and spectators,” the DHS stated in a formal release. The decision to allow earlier entry has been framed as a balance between diplomatic engagement and security considerations, particularly as Iran continues to assert its influence in regional politics.

Iranian President Pezeshkian Seeks Regional Unity Amid U.S.-Israel Conflict

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is currently in Pakistan, where he is promoting a vision of a “new regional security architecture” aimed at uniting Islamic nations. During his visit, he met with leaders in Islamabad, including those from Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. However, he did not engage with several Gulf states that have been targeted for retribution following U.S. and Israeli attacks, such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.

Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of solidarity among the Islamic world, stating, “The unity and solidarity of the Islamic Ummah are essential for confronting common challenges.” This outreach comes in the wake of the recent military conflict involving the U.S. and Israel, which has intensified regional tensions. The Iranian leader also noted that discussions with Pakistan did not include any mention of Iran’s missile program, despite the U.S. and Israel’s focus on this issue.

Speaking after the meeting, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s stance on its missile capabilities, asserting, “If it was not for Iran’s missile capabilities, our country would have been plundered and destroyed.” He pledged to “never compromise or negotiate our missile capabilities,” underscoring the strategic importance of these weapons in Iran’s defense and deterrence posture.

Trump’s Contention Over Nuclear Inspections Sparks Debate

President Trump faced scrutiny from critics when he claimed that Iran had “completely agreed” to nuclear inspections of its enriched sites. In a press conference in Pennsylvania, he defended his position, stating that Iran’s refusal to allow inspectors was incorrect. “They’re wrong,” he said, addressing the Iranian delegation. “They’re wrong. They know they’re wrong. They told us inside and we have it down, 100% inspections.”

“Well I think anybody that’s been critical of it has to be educated, even if they’re friends of mine. Because we have Iran in a position that nobody’s ever had.”

Trump’s assertion contrasts with Iran’s denial of any such plans, leaving the situation in limbo. When asked about the timeline for inspections, the president responded, “At the appropriate time,” adding that there was “no rush.” This ambiguity has fueled frustration among lawmakers, including Republicans, who argue that the administration has not provided sufficient details about the agreement to the full Congress.

Sen. Ted Cruz, a vocal critic of the memorandum of understanding, has expressed concerns over the deal’s implications. He accused the administration of failing to brief Congress adequately, stating, “History demonstrates that giving billions of dollars to theocratic lunatics who want to murder us is an exceptionally bad idea.” Cruz further criticized the deal, saying, “I think, unfortunately, the president is receiving some really bad advice on this deal. I don’t want to see us send a penny to the Ayatollah.”

Lebanon’s Human Toll from the Conflict

The conflict between the U.S. and Israel has spilled over into Lebanon, where the death toll has risen to at least 4,192, with over 12,171 injured. The war has intensified in recent weeks, with airstrikes and artillery fire targeting Lebanese cities and infrastructure. The humanitarian crisis has drawn international attention, with reports of widespread displacement and economic strain.

While the focus of the war powers resolution and diplomatic engagements remains on Iran, the broader implications of the conflict extend to neighboring countries. Lebanon, which has long been a battleground for regional tensions, is now bearing the brunt of the escalating hostilities. The government has called for increased aid and support, but the situation continues to deteriorate.

Strategic Implications and Future Outlook

As the U.S. Senate and Iran navigate their competing priorities, the resolution and the diplomatic moves highlight a complex interplay of military, economic, and political interests. The war powers resolution underscores Congress’s desire to assert control over the administration’s actions, while the easing of entry restrictions for the Iranian football team reflects a softer approach to engaging with the country.

President Pezeshkian’s efforts to foster regional unity suggest Iran’s broader goals of solidifying alliances in the face of external pressures. However, his exclusion of key Gulf allies raises questions about the extent of his diplomatic outreach. Meanwhile, Trump’s rhetoric on nuclear inspections and Iran’s missile program signals a continued emphasis on securing strategic advantages through negotiation and confrontation.

With the World Cup match against Egypt approaching and the war in Lebanon intensifying, the U.S. and Iran remain locked in a delicate dance of diplomacy and deterrence. The outcome of these events could shape the trajectory of the conflict in the coming weeks, as well as the future of the nuclear deal and regional stability.