Congress missed a May 1 deadline to authorize continued U.S. military involvement in the conflict with Iran, as required by the War Powers Resolution of 1973, while the administration of Donald Trump said the requirement does not apply because active hostilities had ceased following an April ceasefire.
The law requires Congress to declare war or authorize the use of force within 60 days of the start of hostilities. Lawmakers have not passed such authorization. The United States Senate rejected a Democratic measure to halt the conflict, and many members left Washington without further action.
The administration said the deadline does not apply because military operations against Iran ended after a ceasefire agreement in early April. U.S. forces continue to operate in the region, including maintaining a naval blockade. Iran continues to control access to the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump said Friday he rejected Iran’s latest proposal to end the conflict. “They want to make a deal, I’m not satisfied with it, so we’ll see what happens,” he told reporters at the White House.
Iranian state media reported that Tehran sent a new proposal to Pakistan outlining terms to end the conflict. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghai said in a televised interview that ending the war remains a priority.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the administration continues negotiations and reiterated that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon. She declined to provide details about the proposal.
Some Republican lawmakers called for a congressional vote on further military action. Susan Collins said the president’s authority as commander-in-chief has limits and that the 60-day deadline is a requirement. John Curtis said Congress and the administration should make decisions together.
A defense official said the United States has spent about $25 billion on the conflict, including costs for munitions, operations, and equipment replacement. The conflict has affected global energy markets, contributing to higher prices for fuel and other goods.
