Legally, the War Powers Resolution gives the president the ability to conduct military action for 60 days, but requires congressional approval after that — or for him to request an additional 30-day extension to wind down any operations.
That deadline is today.
But the White House is making a new argument
in a letter to Congress, declaring that the “hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated,” even as the U.S. naval blockade of Iran’s ports continues.
The move comes after Defense Secretary
Pete Hegseth made a similar argument during a Senate hearing yesterday that the ongoing ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran “pauses or stops” that 60-day clock.
House Speaker
Mike Johnson, R-La., also repeatedly deflected NBC News’ questions about the 60-day deadline, arguing that “we are not at war.”