White House says ceasefire deadline delayed by 60 days

The Trump administration says the ceasefire, which went into effect in early April, means the war with Iran has already ended for the purposes of congressional approval deadlines.

Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, a President can take military action for 60 days before ending hostilities or seeking authorization from Congress.

The attack on Iran began with US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28. US President Donald Trump formally notified Congress of the conflict 48 hours later, meaning the 60-day deadline would be May 1. The proposal also allows extension of the deadline by 30 days.

A senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there has been no firing between US and Iranian forces since the ceasefire began three weeks ago.

“For war powers resolution purposes, hostilities that began on Saturday, Feb. 28 have ended,” the official said, a status that means Trump does not have to seek congressional approval.

The statement came after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during a Senate hearing that it was the administration’s “understanding” that the ceasefire stopped the 60-day clock. Democrats have rejected that interpretation, saying there is no legal basis for such a break.

Earlier, analysts had said they expected Trump to either ignore the deadline or inform Congress that he wants a 30-day extension.

The ceasefire with Tehran largely holds, although Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz and the US Navy continues a blockade of Iranian ports.

Hello and thanks for joining us. Here’s a recap of what happened Thursday:

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced a second day of questioning before the House Armed Services Committee on his handling of the Iran war.

Germany’s Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said his country was ready to contribute troops to securing the Strait of Hormuz “if the relevant conditions are met”, adding that Iran should come to the negotiating table and “stop holding the entire world hostage.”

Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who took over the role following his father’s death in US-Israeli air strikes, issued a statement saying Iran intended to maintain the nuclear program and implement a “new legal framework and management” for Hormuz, possibly including tolling the island.

Iran’s President said that the blockade of Iranian ports by US naval forces is a violation of international law and is destined to fail.