Washington (TDI): President Donald Trump is facing a key legal deadline on Friday under the US War Powers Resolution, which could shape the future of American military operations against Iran. However, officials in his administration are reportedly exploring a legal interpretation that could allow continued operations without congressional approval.
Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, a president must end military action within 60 days unless Congress authorises it. The Trump administration informed Congress on March 2 following joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28, setting May 1 as the deadline for compliance.
Administration officials now argue that the deadline may no longer apply, claiming that a ceasefire with Iran, which has been in place since April 7, effectively ended “hostilities” under the law. A senior official said the conflict should be considered “terminated” for War Powers purposes, allowing military activity to continue without new congressional approval.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supported that interpretation during congressional testimony, stating that the legal clock “pauses or stops in a ceasefire.”
The argument has drawn strong criticism from lawmakers and legal experts, who say the War Powers Resolution contains no provision allowing the 60-day clock to be paused or reset due to a ceasefire.
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Senator Tim Kaine rejected the administration’s position, saying the law does not permit the president to suspend the deadline based on temporary truces. He and other Democrats argue that the interpretation undermines Congress’s constitutional authority over war powers.
The War Powers Resolution was enacted after the Vietnam War to limit presidential authority in prolonged conflicts, requiring either congressional authorisation or withdrawal within 60 days, with a possible short extension.
Legal experts say the administration’s reliance on a “ceasefire loophole” is highly questionable, noting that the law makes no reference to ceasefires as a basis for extending military action. Critics also argue that ongoing pressure, including naval deployments and economic measures, suggests hostilities have not truly ended.
The dispute has further exposed political divisions in Congress. While Democrats have pushed resolutions to require authorisation or force withdrawal, these efforts have repeatedly failed. Republicans, who hold a narrow majority, have largely supported the president or avoided confrontation.
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune said there are no immediate plans for a vote authorising the war, reflecting limited appetite within the party to challenge the White House.
However, some Republicans, including Senator Susan Collins, have warned that the 60-day limit is a legal requirement rather than a guideline and stressed the need for clearer strategy and congressional involvement.
