Defence Secretary Hegseth asserts War Powers clock paused by Iran ceasefire

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that the 60-day statutory deadline for the Trump administration to secure Congressional approval for the war with Iran has paused or stopped following the establishment of a ceasefire. Hegseth made this assertion while answering questions from the Senate on Thursday, asserting that hostilities between the United States and Iran terminated in early April, thereby halting the countdown under the War Powers Resolution.

The relevant piece of legislation, enacted in 1973 to limit presidential war-making powers following the Vietnam War, requires the president to terminate the use of armed forces within 60 calendar days unless Congress authorises continuation. A senior administration official confirmed that hostilities began on 28 February and terminated on 7 April, with no exchange of fire since then. For the purposes of the War Powers Resolution, the official stated that the hostilities have terminated, implying the clock has ceased to run.

Despite the ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, causing global economic impacts. The administration is currently in active conversations with members of Congress to secure authorisation for the war. However, the two sides have not yet reached a longer-term deal via talks, leaving the situation in a state of suspended conflict rather than a concluded peace.

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine challenged Hegseth's interpretation directly during the hearing. Kaine argued that he does not believe the statute supports pausing the clock, suggesting the 60 days may run out tomorrow. This dispute highlights a significant legal uncertainty regarding whether a ceasefire legally pauses the 60-day clock under the War Powers Resolution, a point on which the administration's claim remains contested.

Operations in Iran have reportedly cost the US approximately $25bn. While many Republicans have signalled they might reconsider their positions beyond the 60-day period, previous attempts by Democrats to constrain the administration's war powers have failed. Democrats have vowed to continue their efforts, saying the attempts are an opportunity to get lawmakers' views on the record.

The conflict was sparked after US and Israel strikes on Iran killed the country's supreme leader, leading to retaliatory attacks by Iran on Israel and US-allied Gulf states. The US and Israel oppose Iran's nuclear programme, which Tehran denies. As the administration seeks to navigate the legal and political landscape, the interpretation of the War Powers Resolution remains a critical factor in the ongoing debate over the duration and scope of the military engagement.