Hegseth Claims War Powers Extension as U.S.-Iran Diplomacy Stalls

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate on Thursday, asserting that the 60-day War Powers Resolution deadline—originally set to expire this Friday—has been effectively paused. Hegseth argued that the April 8 ceasefire interrupted the legal countdown, providing the Trump administration more time to conduct operations without immediate congressional intervention. Simultaneously, White House officials are engaging with lawmakers to secure formal war authorization as the conflict, which began on February 28, continues. Diplomatic efforts remains deadlocked despite indirect communication through Pakistani channels. The U.S. has provided feedback on an Iranian proposal that seeks to delay nuclear negotiations until the Strait of Hormuz blockade is lifted and a permanent ceasefire is established. President Trump has maintained that nuclear issues must be the priority, while Tehran has responded with threats of 'long and painful strikes' against U.S. positions should hostilities escalate further. Regional tensions are further complicated by ongoing combat in Lebanon and friction with NATO allies. Israeli Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir dismissed talk of a truce on Wednesday, stating the military will continue to dismantle Hezbollah threats. Meanwhile, Secretary Hegseth has criticized European allies for their reluctance to join a coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting they have more to lose from the blockade than the United States. In response to these diplomatic strains, President Trump is reportedly considering a reduction of U.S. troop levels in Germany.