US Defence Secretary Comments on Iran War Approval Deadline
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that the deadline for the Trump administration to seek Congressional approval for the US-Israeli conflict with Iran has been paused.
Hegseth made these remarks while responding to questions from Senate members on Thursday.
Friday marks the 60th day since President Trump formally notified Congress of the strikes against Iran on 2 March. According to US law, the president must "terminate any use of United States Armed Forces" within 60 days of such notification unless Congress authorizes a continuation.
Ceasefire and Current Status of Hostilities
A senior administration official confirmed that hostilities with Iran had "terminated," emphasizing that a ceasefire has been in place since early April.
Despite the ceasefire, the US and Iran have not yet reached a long-term agreement through negotiations, though efforts to resolve the stalemate appear to be ongoing.
Tehran has submitted a proposal for negotiations with the US through intermediaries in Pakistan, according to the Iranian state news agency IRNA. The agency did not disclose details, and it remains unclear whether the proposal has reached the US.
Following the news of Tehran's offer, oil prices, which had surged sharply after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, declined.
The key shipping route remains effectively closed, causing global economic impacts.
Senate Hearing and Legal Debate
During the Senate hearing on Thursday, Hegseth stated:
"We are in a ceasefire right now, which our understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire."
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine responded:
"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 relevant US legislation, the War Powers Resolution, requires the president to end the use of armed forces within sixty calendar days of their deployment in combat unless Congress declares war or grants an extension of up to 30 days for troop removal.
This law, enacted in 1973, was designed to limit President Richard Nixon's ability to continue the Vietnam War without Congressional approval.
Administration's Position on Hostilities
A senior Trump administration official stated:
"For War Powers Resolution purposes, the hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28 have terminated."
The official noted that the initial two-week ceasefire had been extended and that no exchange of fire between the US and Iran has occurred since 7 April.
The BBC's US partner, CBS News, reported that administration officials are actively engaging with Congress members to obtain authorization for the conflict.
Congressional Responses and Political Dynamics
Democratic-led efforts in both chambers to restrict President Trump's actions regarding Iran have repeatedly failed. Democrats have pledged to continue these efforts, viewing them as opportunities to document lawmakers' positions.
Most Republicans have opposed the Democratic initiatives, though some have indicated they might reconsider their stance after the 60-day period.
Background of the Conflict
The conflict escalated across the Middle East after the US and Israel conducted extensive strikes on Iran, resulting in the death of Iran's supreme leader. Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel and US-allied Gulf states.
The US and Israel have spearheaded Western opposition to Iran's nuclear program, alleging that Iran seeks to develop nuclear weapons—a claim Tehran strongly denies.
Media Reports and Additional Hearings
US media outlets have reported conflicting information regarding the options President Trump is currently considering.
Hegseth also engaged in a contentious exchange with Democratic lawmakers in the House during a separate hearing on Wednesday.
During that session, a senior defence official revealed that operations in Iran have cost the US approximately $25 billion (£18.5 billion) to date.
Meanwhile, many Republicans on the House committee expressed support for the Pentagon. Congressman Carlos Gimenez of Florida stated:
"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."
