Schumer blasts Trump's Iran war as failure, moves to rein in his war powers amid ceasefire

Schumer argued the war was "one of the very worst military and foreign policy actions that the United States has ever taken," at a Wednesday press conference in New York City, and contended that the conflict has left the U.S. worse off in global credibility, left Iran's nuclear ambitions unchecked, increased gas prices and hampered control of the Strait of Hormuz.

"Trump must end the war now," Schumer said. "The only viable solution is a lasting diplomatic one. A two-week ceasefire, especially one as fragile as this, is not a strategy. It's not a diplomatic solution. It's not a plan."

Republicans lauded the ceasefire, however. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., contended on X that it would be "Iran's chance to do the right thing."

"Excellent news," Scott said Tuesday night. "This is a strong first step toward holding Iran accountable and what happens when you have a leader who puts peace through strength over chaos and weak appeasement policies."

As the newly minted ceasefire enters its first day, Iran already has presented a 10-point plan for a broader peace agreement. The proposal includes demands to retain control of the Strait of Hormuz and continue a uranium enrichment program - conditions Trump swiftly rejected.

"There is only one group of meaningful 'POINTS' that are acceptable to the United States, and we will be discussing them behind closed doors during these negotiations," Trump said on Truth Social. "These are the POINTS that are the basis on which we agreed to a CEASEFIRE."

But Schumer and Senate Democrats are calling for an immediate end to the conflict.

His plan to again force a vote on a war powers resolution would mark the fourth such attempt in the upper chamber since the conflict began in late February.

The previous attempts have all been blocked by Republicans, despite growing unease within the GOP over Trump's recent threats to bomb power plants and bridges, as well as his warning that a "whole civilization will die tonight."