The Trump administration has declared that hostilities between the United States and Iran have been 'terminated' for the purposes of an approaching congressional war powers deadline, a senior official said on Thursday. The move comes as President Donald Trump faced a 60-day deadline on Friday to end the Iran war or seek congressional approval for its extension.
The official stated that 'for war powers resolution purposes, the hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28, have terminated,' noting that there has been no exchange of fire since a fragile ceasefire began over three weeks ago. Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president must end military operations after 60 days unless Congress declares war or authorises force.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, arguing that the ceasefire pauses the 60-day clock. 'We are in a cease-fire right now, which our understanding means the 60-day clock pauses, or stops, in a cease-fire,' Hegseth said. However, critics and Democrats have disputed this interpretation. Harold Hongju Koh, a Yale Law School professor and former legal adviser to the State Department, told the New York Times: 'There is no pause button in the War Power Resolution.'
The political climate is tense for Republicans, with public frustration over the conflict and rising fuel prices. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated he does not plan to hold a vote on authorising force in Iran. Meanwhile, Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski announced she would introduce a limited authorisation for military force if the administration fails to present a 'credible plan'.
On Thursday, the Republican-led Senate blocked a Democratic war powers resolution that would have restricted the conflict until Congress authorises further action. The vote was 47-50, with two Republicans voting in favour and one Democrat opposing. It was the sixth such vote this year, all of which have failed largely along party lines.
