The US defence secretary says the timer for the president to report to Congress "pauses or stops" in a ceasefire.

Under law, Trump needs Congressional approval to continue war, experts say, but Congress may avoid the issue altogether.

The newspaper reports that under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, the US president had 60 days to continue military action without legislative approval, that is, until May 1

"Siamo in una fase di cessate il fuoco e, secondo la nostra interpretazione, questo implica che il computo dei 60 giorni venga sospeso o interrotto". (ANSA)

"Siamo in una fase di cessate il fuoco e, secondo la nostra interpretazione, questo implica che il computo dei 60 giorni venga sospeso o interrotto". (ANSA)

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told a Senate committee it could take "months and years" to replace U.S. munitions used during the war in Iran.

The White House said congressional authorization to continue the war past Friday’s 60-day deadline isn’t necessary, because the war has been terminated.

The Trump administration is arguing that the war in Iran has already ended because of the ceasefire that began in early April.

Catch all Iran Israel U.S. conflict updates from The Hindu here after Trump says that the Iran 'war' has been terminated

Administration officials argue that the deadline may not apply, claiming that a ceasefire with Iran effectively ended “hostilities” under the law.

White House signals it will ignore Friday’s War Powers cut-off, arguing April ceasefire paused hostilities.

Pete Hegseth argued that a ceasefire agreement with Iran more than three weeks ago ‘means the 60 day clock pauses, or stops’

The US defence secretary says the timer for the president to report to Congress "pauses or stops" in a ceasefire.

The Trump administration has shown no interest in seeking congressional approval at all.

Nach 60 Tagen muss der US-Präsident Militäraktionen einstellen, wenn der Kongress sie nicht genehmigt hat. Das gilt auch für Iran. Die Regierung legt das anders aus.

Trump administration officials said the cease-fire between the United States and Iran paused the 60-day clock that required an end to the conflict.

"Republicans are out of excuses and should join Democrats and stop this war," said one congressional Democrat. "Let's put the pressure on."

The president writes that hostilities "have terminated" because of the ceasefire, arguing he does not need congressional authorisation.

Explore the implications of the 60-day rule in the War Powers Act amidst the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict and presidential authority.