The US Secretary of Defense says the 60-day legal deadline for war does not apply to a ceasefire.
On Thursday, April 30th, Pete Hegseth participated in the second day of the House Armed Services Committee hearing while the 60-day legal deadline for the US President’s authority to use military force against the Islamic Republic of Iran ends on Friday. Pete Hegseth told the senators, ‘We are currently in a ceasefire situation, and our interpretation is that during a ceasefire, the 60-day timer stops.’ In response, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine said, ‘I do not believe that the law endorses such an interpretation,’ and emphasized that he has serious constitutional concerns in this regard.
The Trump administration is on the verge of the end of the 60-day war deadline with Iran, which is set by the War Powers Resolution of 1973. According to this law, continuing military operations after 60 days requires Congress to formally declare war or issue authorization for the use of military force.