Congress Reviews War Powers Authority as Iran Conflict Hits 60-Day Mark

As the U.S. military intervention in Iran moves past its second month, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine are appearing before the House Armed Services Committee. The timing of the testimony is significant, as the conflict has now exceeded the 60-day window established by the War Powers Resolution. Under this law, the President must obtain congressional authorization for continued military operations or begin the withdrawal of forces. Lawmakers are shifting their focus from operational readiness to the fundamental legal and constitutional basis for the ongoing mission. While the administration continues to manage the conflict, the testimony serves as a formal checkpoint for internal U.S. government oversight regarding war-making authorities. On the diplomatic front, efforts to reach a ceasefire or resolution remain in a stalemate. Despite ongoing backchannel communications, both Washington and Tehran appear to be dug into their respective positions. Iranian officials have recently signaled they are prepared for a prolonged engagement, framing the current situation within the context of recent regional wars. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to maintain significant pressure on Tehran over nuclear concerns and regional security, with neither side showing signs of an imminent diplomatic breakthrough.