US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth Claims Iran War Powers Clock Paused by Ceasefire
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth informed the Senate that the statutory deadline for congressional approval of military operations in Iran has been paused. Hegseth's argument centres on the implementation of a ceasefire, a claim disputed by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, who maintains the 60-day period, commencing from the initial US-Israeli strikes on 28 February, concluded on 2 May.
War Powers Resolution and Congressional Authority
The War Powers Resolution, enacted in 1973 to curb presidential authority in military engagements, mandates that a president must terminate the use of US armed forces within 60 days of notification to Congress, unless congressional authorisation is granted. An administration official asserted that hostilities in Iran have "terminated" due to the ceasefire, which has been in effect since early April. However, a long-term resolution remains elusive, and the crucial Strait of Hormuz continues to be obstructed, leading to global economic repercussions.
Humanitarian and Economic Toll
The conflict originated on 28 February with extensive US and Israeli strikes on Iran, resulting in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader and hundreds of civilians. This included a targeted attack on an Iranian primary school, which killed 110 children. Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel and US-aligned states in the Gulf. The US has expended approximately $25 billion on these operations, as revealed by a top defence official during a House hearing. These actions unfold while the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza, and the International Court of Justice hears genocide proceedings against Israel.
