US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that given the administration’s determination that the ceasefire between the US and Iran remains in place, President Donald Trump does not need to seek approval from Congress for the war to continue.
“Our view is … that ultimately, with the ceasefire, the clock stops. If it were to restart, that would be the president’s decision,” Hegseth said during a Pentagon press briefing.
For context: Under the War Powers Act of 1973, the president has 60 days to conduct military action in response to an imminent threat or an attack on the United States if Congress has not voted to authorize a war. Without explicit congressional authorization, the law says that once that deadline is reached, the president “shall terminate any use of the United States Armed Forces.”
Many lawmakers view Friday, May 1, as the 60-day mark based on Trump notifying Congress of the beginning of hostilities on March 2.
Hegseth maintained today that should Trump order military attacks to resume, then that conversation will be had.
“That option is always there,” Hegseth said of the potential for combat operations to continue. “And Iran knows that, and that’s why, you know, their choices in Project Freedom are important.”
“The president retains the opportunity and the capabilities – more capabilities than we had at the start of this – to restart major combat operations if necessary. If Iran is not willing to follow through on its side of the bargain or make a deal, then the War Department is postured, locked, loaded and ready to go. We hope it doesn’t have to go in that direction,” Hegseth said.
CNN’s Morgan Rimmer contributed to this report.