The Trump administration has argued that the war in Iran has been effectively 'terminated' under the ongoing ceasefire, just hours before a critical 60-day deadline for congressional approval. Under the War Powers Resolution, President Donald Trump faced a deadline on Friday to either end hostilities or secure congressional authorization to continue.
Administration's Position
A senior administration official told the Associated Press that the U.S. and Iran have not exchanged fire since April 7, and that hostilities have been 'terminated.' A U.S. official also stated to Reuters: 'For War Powers Resolution purposes, the hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28, have terminated.'
Earlier on Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argued during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that the 60-day clock was paused under the ceasefire. 'We are in a ceasefire right now, which our understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire,' Hegseth said.
Democratic Opposition
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine countered Hegseth's interpretation: 'I do not believe the statute would support that. I think the 60 days runs maybe tomorrow, and it’s going to pose a really important legal question for the administration there.'
Senate Democrats attempted for the sixth time to force a War Powers Resolution vote to end the Iran war on Thursday, but failed. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff stated: 'After two months of war, 13 service members’ lives lost, and billions of dollars squandered, it is time we recognized that the price we have paid is already too high. We must say no to this unauthorized war of choice.'
Republican Support and Dissent
Republican Senators Susan Collins and Rand Paul joined nearly every Democrat in supporting the measure. Collins emphasized: 'The Constitution gives Congress an essential role in decisions of war and peace, and the War Powers Act establishes a clear 60-day deadline for Congress to either authorize or end U.S. involvement in foreign hostilities. That deadline is not a suggestion; it is a requirement.'
However, many Republicans continue to defend Trump's actions. Senator Rick Scott told CNN: 'The president has the right to use the military to defend the freedom of this country.' When pressed on the cost of the war, Scott replied: 'How do you put a price tag on limiting somebody’s ability to kill you?'
Trump's Claims
President Trump claimed on Thursday that the U.S. has 'already won' the war with Iran, stating to Newsmax: 'We’ve already won, but I want to win by a bigger margin.' He added: 'We have destroyed their navy, destroyed their air force, destroyed all of their anti-aircraft equipment, their radar equipment, their leadership.'
The Independent has requested comment from the White House.
