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Monitoring Desk
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the deadline requiring congressional approval for military action against Iran is effectively paused due to the current ceasefire, according to reports carried by the BBC News.
Under U.S. law, the administration must end military operations within 60 days of notifying Congress unless lawmakers authorize an extension. The deadline falls this week following the notification issued on March 2 regarding strikes linked to the Iran conflict.
Hegseth told senators that the ongoing ceasefire means the legal “clock stops,” a position disputed by some lawmakers. Senator Tim Kaine argued the law does not support pausing the timeline and warned the administration could soon face a legal challenge.
The War Powers Resolution, enacted in 1973, requires the president to terminate military engagement within 60 days unless Congress declares war or grants additional time for troop withdrawal.
A senior administration official said hostilities have effectively ended, noting that no direct exchanges have occurred since early April following a ceasefire agreement.
Despite reduced fighting, diplomatic efforts remain ongoing. Iran has reportedly submitted a new proposal for negotiations through intermediaries, while U.S. officials continue consultations with Congress on possible authorization.
The situation highlights ongoing legal and political tensions in Washington over presidential war powers and the future of U.S. involvement in the conflict.