WASHINGTON — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators on Thursday that the administration’s deadline to seek congressional approval for the war with Iran is effectively on hold, citing the current ceasefire as a legal "pause" button.
The testimony comes just one day before the expiration of a 60-day window mandated by the War Powers Resolution.
Under the 1973 law, the president must end military operations within 60 days of notifying Congress unless lawmakers grant an official extension or declare war.
The Legal Debate
During a heated session with the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hegseth argued that the cessation of active hostilities since early April changes the legal calculus.
"We are in a ceasefire right now," Hegseth testified. "Our understanding is that the 60-day clock pauses or stops during a ceasefire."
Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) immediately pushed back, noting that the statute refers to "calendar days" and does not include provisions for pauses.
Status of the Conflict
While a senior administration official stated that hostilities have "terminated" for the purposes of the Act, the situation remains a stalemate:
Diplomatic Channels: Tehran has reportedly sent a new negotiation proposal via Pakistani intermediaries, though U.S. officials have not confirmed receipt of the details.
Economic Impact: The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to most traffic. While oil prices dipped slightly on news of the potential talks, they remain near four-year highs.
The Toll: Pentagon officials revealed that the conflict has already cost the U.S. approximately $25 billion, with some estimates suggesting the true replacement cost for munitions could be double that figure.
What’s Next?
If the administration treats the clock as paused, they may avoid seeking a formal vote this week. However, Democrats have vowed to keep pushing for a floor vote to put lawmakers' positions on the record.
While most Republicans currently support the Pentagon’s stance, some have indicated that their patience regarding the 60-day limit may have its own expiration date.
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