Has the US-Iran ceasefire reset the clock on War Powers Act deadline?

Key Points:

• The Trump administration argues that the May 1 deadline under the War Powers Resolution to secure congressional approval for the US-Israel war on Iran is effectively paused due to a fragile ceasefire with Tehran, as stated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
• Democratic lawmakers and legal experts strongly contest this interpretation, asserting that the War Powers Resolution does not allow the 60-day clock to pause once hostilities have begun, regardless of a ceasefire.
• Despite a halt in direct attacks since early April, US and Iranian forces continue hostilities around the Strait of Hormuz, including naval blockades and seizures of vessels, complicating the definition of "hostilities."
• The War Powers Resolution requires the president to obtain congressional authorization within 60 days of introducing forces into hostilities or to withdraw them, but Congress is deeply divided and unlikely to authorize continued military action against Iran.
• Legal experts warn that the administration’s claim undermines the War Powers Resolution’s purpose and that continuing military actions without congressional approval could be viewed as a criminal war of aggression under international law.