US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told lawmakers that the Trump administration does not currently require fresh congressional authorisation to continue military operations linked to Iran, arguing that an ongoing ceasefire may effectively pause the legal 60-day war powers clock.
His remarks came just ahead of the 60-day deadline from when Trump formally notified Congress of military action, a key requirement under the War Powers Resolution. The law mandates that presidents must either withdraw forces, secure congressional authorisation, or request a 30-day extension after 60 days of engagement.
