The main reason is that the White House believes the 60-day clock does not run during a ceasefire, as is the case now. This was stated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth when questioned by the Senate Defense Committee on Thursday, adding that “the clock has stopped.”
A high-ranking anonymous White House official told the AP the same:
The fighting that began on February 28 has ended, the official said, adding that there has been no exchange of fire between the US and Iran since the initial ceasefire began.
Three possibilities?
In the United States, the right to declare war is reserved to Congress, according to the Constitution. The president may only conduct military operations for up to 60 days after Congress is informed of an operation, according to the War Powers Resolution of 1973.
Trump briefed Congress on the US-Israeli attack that triggered the Iran war on March 2, 60 days ago.
According to the text of the law, he now has three options: he can request congressional approval, end the operation, or ask for a 30-day extension to safely withdraw forces.
Not popular
But that obviously assumes the White House believes the war has actually lasted 60 days.
The Iran war and the high fuel prices it has brought are not very popular with Americans. They have been criticized by both Democrats and Republicans. However, leading Republicans in Congress seem to be following the president's lead and not demanding that he act on the deadline:
"Right now we are trying to get a peace settlement. I would be very reluctant to interrupt the administration in the middle of these very sensitive negotiations," House Speaker Mike Johnson told NBC News.
Senate Majority Leader Republican John Thune tells the AP that he does not plan to force a vote on the Iran war at this time.
