As the 60-day War Powers deadline approaches, the administration of President Donald Trump is maintaining that the United States is not formally at war with Iran, even as the Middle East conflict continues to escalate and global oil markets remain volatile. The legal cutoff, triggered after the administration notified Congress of military action in late February, requires congressional authorization for continued hostilities or a withdrawal of forces.

The White House position has been echoed by senior officials, including U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who said there is currently no active “kinetic” warfare taking place. He described the situation as a diplomatic effort aimed at brokering peace, emphasizing that lawmakers should not interfere while sensitive negotiations are ongoing. His comments reflect the administration’s broader argument that military operations have either ceased or transitioned into a ceasefire phase.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth added to this interpretation during a congressional hearing, stating that the administration believes a ceasefire agreement with Iran effectively pauses the 60-day War Powers clock. He told lawmakers that, under this view, the legal requirement to seek congressional authorization is temporarily suspended as long as active hostilities have stopped, though he deferred final legal judgment to the White House counsel.

Also Read: Trump Faces War Powers Act Deadline As Congress Debates Iran Strike Authority

However, the timeline remains at the center of a growing constitutional dispute. The 60-day period began after a March notification to Congress regarding military operations, making May 1 the key deadline under the War Powers Resolution. The law requires the president to either obtain congressional approval or begin winding down military engagement. With no formal authorization passed, the situation has escalated into a legal and political clash between the executive branch and Congress over war-making authority.

Democratic lawmakers strongly reject the administration’s interpretation, arguing that the ceasefire does not pause the statutory deadline. Senator Tim Kaine and others have warned that the administration is approaching a clear violation of the law, while Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has called on Congress to assert its authority. Critics argue that allowing a “pause” interpretation would weaken the War Powers Act and expand unchecked executive military authority.

Despite these objections, efforts in Congress to restrict the president’s war authority have so far failed, with recent resolutions blocked in the Senate. Analysts note that the War Powers Act has historically had limited success in constraining presidents, as disputes often become political rather than judicial. As the deadline arrives, the situation highlights ongoing tensions between the White House and Congress over constitutional control of military action, with significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and regional stability.

Also Read: Madhya Pradesh Forms Panel, Sets 60-Day Deadline For UCC Draft Preparation