The 60-day deadline for U.S. military action in Iran is here, and the White House has not asked Congress for authorization to continue the war. That’s leaving lawmakers divided over whether that requirement still applies under the current ceasefire.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators Thursday the administration views the ceasefire with Iran as a pause on the War Powers clock, arguing the timeline stops while active fighting is suspended.
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“Ultimately, I would defer to the White House and White House counsel on that,” Hegseth said. “However, we are in a ceasefire right now, which our understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire.”
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., pushed back, saying the law does not allow for that kind of pause and warning the deadline could expire immediately.
”I do not believe the statute would support that,” Kaine said. “That’s going to pose a really important legal question for the administration there.”
Legal clock at center of conflict
Under the War Powers Act of 1973, a president has 60 days to carry out military operations without congressional approval. After that, the law requires a decision: secure authorization from Congress, begin withdrawing forces, or formally request a limited extension.
The Trump administration notified Congress of hostilities on March 2, making Friday, May 1, the 60-day mark.
Some Republicans say the president can rely on a built-in 30-day extension. Others have said Congress should vote now on whether to continue the war.
Trump points to possible deal
President Donald Trump told reporters Thursday that Iran wants to negotiate, even as formal talks remain stalled and no new timeline has been set.
“Iran is dying to make a deal. I can only tell you that” Trump said, adding that the country cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
“We have a problem because nobody knows for sure who the leaders are,” he said. “It’s a little bit of a problem, you know? The leaders have been wiped out along with their military.”
In an update Friday morning, Iran’s state-run news agency announced the country has sent its latest proposal for negotiations with the U.S. to Pakistani mediators.
The administration has not said whether it will seek congressional approval for continued military action or how it plans to proceed if talks do not advance.
Murkowski sets one-week timeline
Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Thursday she will introduce legislation to authorize the war if the White House does not present what she called a “credible plan” within the next week.
Her proposal would trigger a vote when the Senate returns from recess in mid-May, putting Congress on record on continued military involvement.
Other lawmakers have pressed for more detail on the administration’s strategy, including the scope of the mission and whether ground forces could be deployed.
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