The Trump administration is contending that the war in Iran has already concluded because of a ceasefire that took effect in early April, a position that would permit the White House to avoid requesting congressional approval for continued military action. A senior administration official stated that for purposes of the War Powers Resolution of 1973, "the hostilities that began on Saturday, Feb. 28 have terminated." The official noted that the U.S. military and Iran have not exchanged fire since the two-week ceasefire began on April 7.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth advanced this argument during Senate testimony on Thursday, characterizing the ceasefire as effectively pausing the war rather than ending it. Under this interpretation, the administration has not yet satisfied the requirement in the 1973 law mandating that Congress formally approve military action extending beyond 60 days. That deadline falls on Friday, May 1.
The War Powers Resolution requires Congress to declare war or authorize the use of force within 60 days, or within 90 days if the president requests an extension. However, Congress made no attempt to enforce the requirement as the deadline approached. The chamber adjourned for a week on Thursday after the Senate rejected a Democratic effort to halt the war for a sixth time. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said Thursday that he does not plan to hold a vote to authorize force in Iran.
While the ceasefire has been extended since its inception, Iran continues to control the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. Navy maintains a blockade to prevent Iranian oil tankers from reaching international waters. Republican lawmakers, many of whom expressed earlier uneasiness with Trump's Iran policy, have deferred to the White House as the congressional deadline approaches, with no GOP action anticipated.
In separate developments Thursday, Trump approved a major Canadian oil pipeline project and federal prosecutors released video of an armed man attempting to breach the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.
