Trump Considers Troop Reductions in Europe as Iran War Hits 60-Day Deadline

These remarks came amid ongoing tensions with NATO allies over their naval deployments to the Strait of Hormuz, which remains blockaded in the conflict.

Friday marked the 60th day since the U.S. initiated military operations in Iran, activating the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which requires congressional authorization for continued hostilities beyond that period. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth argued during congressional hearings that a ceasefire has "terminated" hostilities, effectively stopping the 60-day clock, according to statements reported by Reuters and The New York Times.

Hegseth testified before the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to justify a $1.5 trillion defense budget request for the upcoming fiscal year, representing a 40% increase from the previous year. He cited needs for military modernization and operations, including those in Iran, where costs have reached $23 billion to date based on Pentagon figures.

Nonpartisan estimates place daily expenditures at approximately $1 billion.

In his testimony, Hegseth stated that Iran's nuclear facilities "have been obliterated" and are under "constant surveillance," emphasizing the objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He referenced avoiding a "hasty withdrawal" similar to the Biden administration's exit from Afghanistan.

Senator Adam Smith questioned Hegseth on the war's endgame, noting the absence of a clear conclusion despite the destruction of nuclear sites. Hegseth backtracked on initial war-funding estimates during the Senate hearing, according to The Washington Times.

The U.S. government has not publicly released evidence documenting the full extent of the nuclear facilities' destruction.

Iran delivered a response to U.S. terms for a peace deal through Pakistani mediators on Thursday, according to Pakistani officials cited by Axios and other outlets. Iranian state media reported that Iran sent its latest proposal via Pakistan, while Iran's supreme leader issued a statement rejecting nuclear and military concessions.

The vessels involved in the Strait of Hormuz blockade have not been publicly identified by the U.S. government. Iran's foreign ministry has not commented on the troop withdrawal considerations as of May 1, 2026.

Democrats' attempts to invoke the War Powers Act have been blocked by Republican opposition, with House Speaker Mike Johnson stating the actions do not constitute a full war. Recent votes on resolutions related to Venezuela showed some Republican defections, which were reversed after direct calls from President Trump.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed concerns about the lack of clear justifications after the deadline and suggested an Authorization for Use of Military Force as a limited alternative.

The blockade has contributed to elevated gas prices, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright stating they may not decrease soon, though President Trump disagreed. Hegseth indicated additional funding requests to Congress are expected in the coming weeks. Historical precedents indicate presidents have expanded executive authority in similar conflicts, with Congress sometimes not asserting its role.

Separately, federal prosecutors released footage of an incident at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner last week, showing suspect Cole Tomas Allen shooting a Secret Service agent while approaching a checkpoint. Allen has agreed to remain in custody pending further proceedings.

No additional details on security measures at the event have been publicly disclosed by the Secret Service.