Trump Administration Reaches 60 Days in Iran Conflict Under War Powers Resolution

The United States has reached the 60-day threshold in its military involvement with Iran, as outlined in the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which requires the president to obtain congressional approval for continued hostilities or withdraw forces. According to testimony from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth before the Senate Armed Services Committee, a ceasefire agreement in early April paused the resolution's timeline.

Hegseth stated that "the ceasefire stops the clock on the deadline to seek approval for the Iran war," as reported in The New York Times. The administration asserts that the cessation of major combat operations means the 60-day period does not mandate further action at this time.

In Congress, Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic-led resolution aimed at restricting President Trump's authority regarding the Iran conflict, representing the latest in a series of unsuccessful attempts by Democrats. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated no immediate plans for Congress to authorize military force or otherwise intervene, according to statements cited in multiple outlets.

However, some Republican unity showed signs of strain, with reports from Politico noting that GOP members, including Sen. Susan Collins, broke ranks in a recent vote related to the Iran war. The Financial Times reported that certain US Republicans challenged the Trump administration's approach, though specific names and quotes from those lawmakers were not detailed in the available sources.

Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer, appearing on CNN's "The Situation Room," said, "Congress has an important role to play" in addressing the war powers deadline amid the ongoing Iran situation. No formal congressional authorization for the use of military force against Iran has been passed as of the deadline.

President Trump has indicated a potential review of US troop deployments in Europe amid tensions related to the Iran conflict. In response to questions about possibly withdrawing forces from Italy and Spain, Trump said "probably," according to Defense News.

He also mentioned a review of the US military presence in Germany, as covered in The Guardian. Al Jazeera noted that any such reductions would face logistical and strategic challenges, including NATO commitments, though no official withdrawal orders have been issued.

The broader conflict has involved Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, with Al-Monitor reporting that Israel lacks a publicly stated exit strategy and faces an emboldened Hezbollah, limiting options on the Iran front.

Oil prices increased as the 60-day deadline neared, with CNBC attributing the rise to market concerns over potential escalation in the Iran war. The administration has adjusted its stance on funding, as Defense Secretary Hegseth backtracked on earlier estimates of needing $200 billion in supplemental war funding during his Senate hearing, per The Washington Times; he avoided providing new specifics.

Semafor reported that the White House rebuffed calls to adhere strictly to war powers rules, maintaining that the ceasefire alters the applicability of the timeline. Just the News stated that Congress continues to defer to the White House on approving the Iran war as the deadline passes, with no immediate legislative action planned.

A New York Times editorial, summarized in The Hill, described the US military as "losing its edge" in the Iran war, quoting: "While President Trump seems eager for a negotiated truce, Iran’s leaders do not. " NPR characterized the situation as a stalemate testing Trump's second term, while The War Zone reported that Trump is at a crossroads for continuing the war, discussing potential new strategies without specifying details from administration officials.

CBS News outlined that as the deadline hits, both Congress and the Trump administration face choices on next steps, though no public evidence of internal administration divisions has been released. Iran's foreign ministry has not issued a public comment on the ceasefire or deadline as of May 1, 2026, based on the sources.