‘We are going to end the war’ on Iran, vows top Senate Democrat

• Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says his party will work to end the US war on Iran following its midterm election gains.
• Schumer says control over government funding could be used to pressure the Trump administration to halt the military campaign.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has vowed to work toward ending the US war on Iran, saying his party will use its increased political leverage following the midterm elections to challenge President Donald Trump's foreign policy.

Speaking at a press conference, Schumer said American voters wanted Democrats to “put a check on Trump’s chaos at home and abroad.”

“The American people don’t know what the heck we’re fighting for in Iran. We are going to end the war,” he said.

Schumer pointed to Congress's authority over government spending as a potential means of limiting the president's ability to continue the military campaign.

He described the “power of the purse” as one way to deter a president who launches military operations without the consent of the American people.

“We have some Republicans already who have joined us in ending the war,” Schumer added.

Schumer's remarks come after Democrats secured control of Congress in the midterm elections, setting the stage for a more confrontational relationship with the Trump administration over its foreign policy.

The party's expanded influence over government funding could give lawmakers additional leverage in debates over military spending and the continuation of the war on Iran.