U.S.-Iran Ceasefire: Does It 'Reset the Clock' on the War Powers Resolution?

The Trump administration argues that the May 1 deadline under the War Powers Resolution is no longer relevant because a ceasefire with Tehran is in effect. Under the law, after the president notifies Congress of a conflict, he has 60 days to seek congressional approval or withdraw forces from hostilities. In the case of the war with Iran, that deadline expires on Friday (May 1).

However, on Thursday (April 30), Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators at a Senate hearing that the fragile ceasefire in place has paused the countdown clock. This view was strongly rejected by Democratic lawmakers and legal experts, who contend the statute contains no provision for a pause once the clock has started.

The dispute reflects deep differences over how to define 'hostilities' and whether a temporary ceasefire can alter the legal obligations the White House must meet.

The Trump Administration's View

At the hearing, Hegseth argued that the '60-day clock pauses or stops' during a ceasefire. The U.S. and Iran have largely halted direct attacks since April 8, when ceasefire talks began, though those negotiations are now stalled. Tehran still blocks the Strait of Hormuz, and Washington maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports and vessels in the strait. President Trump has repeatedly warned that attacks could resume. Other Trump administration officials backed Hegseth, saying the absence of active combat since early April means hostilities have ended.

Some have proposed launching a new operation under a different name to circumvent the deadline. Richard Goldberg, a former director for countering weapons of mass destruction on Iran at the U.S. National Security Council, said he has recommended officials shift to Operation 'Epic Passage' – a sequel to 'Epic Fury' – focused on self-defense and reopening the strait.

What the War Powers Resolution Requires

The War Powers Resolution, passed in 1973, limits how long a U.S. president can wage war without congressional approval. Under the law, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of introducing forces into hostilities. The 60-day clock starts from that notification. Although the U.S. and Israel launched the war with Iran on February 28, the Trump administration notified Congress on March 2, so the 60-day period ends on May 1. During those 60 days, the president must seek congressional approval via a joint resolution or end military engagement. The law allows a 30-day extension, but only to safely withdraw forces, not to continue fighting indefinitely.

The 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), enacted after 9/11, serves as another legal basis for ongoing military operations. Deep divisions in Congress make it unlikely to authorize continued military action against Iran. On Thursday, a sixth attempt in the Senate to limit Trump's authority was rejected 50-47.

Political Reactions

Democrats reacted strongly. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia dismissed Hegseth's interpretation. Senator Adam Schiff of California pointed out that U.S. forces remain active in the region despite the halt in airstrikes: 'Pausing the use of some forces while using others does not stop the clock.' Despite the ceasefire, clashes continue in the Strait of Hormuz. On April 20, U.S. forces opened fire and seized the Iranian-flagged container ship Touska; Tehran subsequently seized two foreign commercial vessels. Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who broke with her party, said: 'The president's authority as commander in chief is not unlimited. The 60-day deadline is not a suggestion; it is a requirement.'

What Experts Say

Bruce Fein, a U.S. constitutional and international law scholar and former deputy attorney general, stressed that the statute 'never says anywhere' that the 60-day period stops if a ceasefire occurs. He warned that such an interpretation turns the law into a 'paper tiger.' Fein asked: 'Why doesn't President Trump ask Congress for a declaration of war? He knows he would lose the vote.'