Hegseth argues Iran war could stretch beyond the 60-day clock during ceasefire

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate that a U.S.-Iran ceasefire pauses the 60-day War Powers clock, allowing American troops to stay in the conflict without new congressional authorization—a view Democrats, led by Sen. Tim Kaine, challenge as legally dubious since the War Powers Resolution requires withdrawal or congressional approval within 60 days (with a possible 30-day extension). With the deadline looming Friday and no authorization filed, lawmakers are pushing for another vote on war powers legislation while the White House contends the executive branch ultimately decides when the war ends.