Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argued a cease-fire with Iran has paused the 60-day clock under the War Powers Resolution, delaying Congress’s need to authorize continued military action. Speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hegseth insisted the truce with Tehran means the administration isn’t legally obligated to seek approval to maintain operations. He declined to confirm whether the Trump administration would pursue congressional authorization despite the deadline looming on April 30, 2026.

Legal scholars criticized the argument, noting U.S. naval blockades and strikes in the Strait of Hormuz indicate ongoing hostilities. $1.45 trillion Pentagon budget request for 2026, a 40% increase, became a focal point as lawmakers questioned war costs and scope. Iran’s nuclear program remains the stated justification, though Democrats challenged the administration’s transparency about troop deployments and escalation risks.