The US government claims a ceasefire has halted the legal countdown on its Iran military operations.
Pete Hegseth has said the deadline requiring the United States to seek congressional approval for military action against Iran is effectively “paused” due to an ongoing ceasefire.
Under the War Powers Resolution, the president must end military operations within 60 days of notifying Congress. The only exception being when lawmakers approve an extension. That deadline falls this week following the initial notification on March 2.
Hegseth told senators that the ceasefire means the legal clock has stopped, as active hostilities have ceased. However, some lawmakers, including dispute this interpretation, arguing the law does not allow for such a pause.
Administration officials maintain that fighting has ended since early April, though no long-term agreement has been reached. Behind the scenes, discussions are ongoing with Congress to potentially secure formal authorization.
The conflict has already had global consequences, including rising oil prices after Iran restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy route.
The dispute sets up a major legal and political test over presidential war powers, as tensions remain unsolved.
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