Pentagon Leaders Brief Trump on Iran Options as War Powers Deadline Looms
Defense Secretary Hegseth claims the War Powers clock is paused while oil prices hit four-year highs amid the Hormuz standoff.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate today, asserting that the 60-day War Powers Resolution clock has "paused" during the current ceasefire. This legal interpretation comes as the White House faces a Friday deadline for congressional authorization regarding the conflict initiated on February 28. Hegseth, alongside Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and CENTCOM head Adm. Brad Cooper, is briefing President Trump today on strategic options to bring Iran to the negotiating table.
The economic impact of the standoff intensified as Brent crude oil prices surpassed $126 per barrel, a four-year high. The spike is driven by the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas. Despite the rising costs—estimated by the Pentagon at $25 billion to date—European allies remain hesitant to join a U.S.-led maritime coalition, prompting the administration to consider Troop reductions in Germany as diplomatic tensions with Berlin grow.
Key Points
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate that the 60-day War Powers Resolution clock is paused due to the current ceasefire.
- Top military leaders are briefing President Trump today on options to compel Iran to negotiate ahead of a Friday deadline.
- Brent crude oil surged to a four-year high above $126 per barrel as the Strait of Hormuz remains obstructed.
- The Pentagon estimated the conflict's cost at $25 billion since hostilities began on February 28.
- European NATO allies remain reluctant to join a U.S.-led maritime coalition, leading to continued friction with the administration.