The White House is claiming that military hostilities with Iran have concluded due to a ceasefire implemented in April, a position that would exempt the administration from seeking congressional authorization as a Friday deadline approaches.
This stance builds upon testimony given by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth before the Senate on Thursday, where he stated that the ceasefire had effectively halted the conflict. Using this logic, the White House argues it hasn’t triggered the 60-day requirement under a 1973 statute that mandates congressional approval for extended military operations.
Despite the ongoing ceasefire extension, Iran continues controlling the Strait of Hormuz while U.S. naval forces maintain a blockade preventing Iranian oil vessels from reaching international waters.
Republican lawmakers who previously expressed concerns about Trump’s Iranian military engagement had highlighted May 1 as a crucial date for congressional intervention. However, that deadline appears likely to pass without GOP action as legislators continue supporting the administration’s position.
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires Congress to either declare war or approve military force within 60 days — with Friday marking that deadline — or within 90 days if the president requests additional time. Congress has made no effort to enforce this provision, having left Washington on Thursday following the Senate’s sixth rejection of Democratic efforts to end the conflict.
The administration has demonstrated no willingness to pursue congressional authorization, maintaining that the legal deadlines are irrelevant since Iranian hostilities effectively ceased when the April ceasefire took effect.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota stated Thursday that he has no plans to schedule votes authorizing Iranian military action or otherwise intervening in the matter.
A senior administration official, speaking anonymously about the government’s stance, declared that regarding the 1973 law, “the hostilities that began on Saturday, Feb. 28 have terminated.” The official noted that American and Iranian forces haven’t engaged in combat since the two-week ceasefire beginning April 7.
