US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators on Thursday that the 60-day deadline for the Trump administration to seek congressional approval for military action against Iran has effectively paused due to a ceasefire. The deadline, set under the War Powers Resolution, expires on Friday, 60 days after President Trump notified Congress of strikes against Iran on March 2.
Hegseth stated, "We are in a ceasefire right now, which our understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire." However, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine countered, "I do not believe the statute would support that. I think the 60 days runs maybe tomorrow, and it's going to pose a really important legal question for the administration there."
The War Powers Resolution, enacted in 1973 to curb presidential war powers, requires the president to end the use of armed forces within 60 days unless Congress declares war or grants a 30-day extension for troop removal. A senior administration official insisted that "the hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28 have terminated," citing a ceasefire in effect since early April and no exchange of fire since April 7. Despite the ceasefire, a long-term deal remains elusive, and the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, causing global economic disruption.
Democratic attempts to constrain Trump have repeatedly failed in Congress, with most Republicans opposing. However, some Republicans have signaled they might reconsider after the 60-day period. Hegseth also clashed with House Democrats on Wednesday, where a top official disclosed that operations in Iran have cost the US approximately $25 billion so far.
Republican Congressman Carlos Gimenez expressed support, saying, "When someone tells me for 47 years that they want to kill us, I think I am going to take them at their word. I support our efforts to make sure that Iran never has a nuclear weapon."