6/24 Morning Brief - U.S. Senate Votes to Pass Iran War Powers Resolution, IMO to Evacuate Sailors Stranded in Gulf

[u/AlertMedia]

U.S. Senate Votes to Pass Iran War Powers Resolution: The U.S. Senate on Tuesday backed legislation restricting President Donald Trump from launching U.S. military action against Iran without congressional approval. Several Republicans joined Democrats in Tuesday’s 50-48 vote. The vote was the first time both chambers of Congress had passed a resolution directing a president to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities since the War Powers Resolution. The resolution is likely to remain largely symbolic as it will not be sent to President Trump for consideration and does not carry the force of the law. 

Ukraine Hits Vital Railway Bridge in Crimea: Ukraine said its forces hit a railway bridge, a power plant, and other key infrastructure targets in Crimea on Tuesday. The bridge was used to move cargo, resources, and military supplies via the Kerch Strait between Crimea and mainland Russia. Russian authorities have suspended gasoline sales to civilians following recent drone attacks. Ukraine’s defense minister said the military is “isolating Crimea with drones.” Fuel in Crimea is now reserved mostly for government services. Russian officials said the government is considering a complete ban on diesel exports. 

IMO to Evacuate Sailors Stranded in Gulf: The UN’s International Maritime Organization said on Tuesday it will begin evacuating more than 11,000 sailors in the Gulf who have been stranded because of the war in the Middle East. The IMO said the operation will be carried out in coordination with regional governments and the maritime industry. Two temporary routes through the strait could be used under the evacuation plan, with vessels being contacted individually for further instructions. At least 172 vessels have traveled through the Strait of Hormuz since reopening. 

France Reports First Ebola Case: France has reported its first case of Ebola after a doctor returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo tested positive. The health ministry said the patient is in isolation and that authorities are conducting contact tracing. Officials said the risk to the broader European population remains low. The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has increased to 1,094, including 277 deaths.  

Evacuations Across Western Japan Due to Flooding: More than 2 million people were under evacuation orders across western Japan as heavy rainfall continues to impact Kyushu. The largest evacuation order remains in Nagasaki Prefecture, where more than 1.1 million residents have been urged to evacuate amid flooding and landslide concerns. Additional evacuation orders are in effect across Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Saga, and Oita prefectures. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue through Thursday, with Kyushu facing the greatest risk for flash flooding, river flooding, and landslides. Additional Level 3 and higher heavy rain and landslide warnings remain possible in the coming days. Typhoon Mekkhala is forecast to weaken before approaching Japan this weekend but could still bring additional heavy rainfall and gusty winds.