Why Trump is ignoring the Iran war deadline

TT

Published 13.00

US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday. Photo: Alex Brandon/AP/TT

Donald Trump's much-publicized 60-day limit for the Iran war expires on Friday.

But there is no indication that the US president will ask for congressional approval for the war - as required by law.

The main reason is that the White House believes that the 60 days do not count when there is a ceasefire, as is the case at present. This was said by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, when questioned by the Senate Defense Committee on Thursday, adding that "the clock has stopped".

A senior, anonymous White House official spoke in similar terms to the AP news agency:

“The fighting that began on February 28 has ended,” the official said, adding that there has been no exchange of fire between the United States and Iran since the first ceasefire began.

Three options?

In the United States, the right to declare war is reserved for Congress, according to the Constitution. The president can only decide on 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 of course assumes that the White House believes the war has really been going on for 60 days.

The Iran war and the high fuel prices it has caused are not very popular with Americans. It has been criticized by both Democrats and Republicans. But leading Republicans in Congress still seem to follow the president's line and not demand 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, says House Speaker Mike Johnson to 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.