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Ceasefire with Iran 'pauses' 60-day clock on congressional authorization: Hegseth

Hegseth also criticised opponents of the war, accusing them of undermining US interests.

3 min read May 1, 2026 06:34 AM IST First published on: May 1, 2026 at 06:21 AM IST

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee, on Capitol Hill, in Washington. (Photo: AP)

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told lawmakers that a ceasefire with Iran effectively “pauses” the legal deadline requiring congressional approval for military action, drawing pushback from senators during a second day of hearings on Capitol Hill.

Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hegseth said the administration believes the 60-day clock under the War Powers Act stops during a halt in fighting.

“We are in a ceasefire right now, which our understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire,” Hegseth said.

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine disagreed, saying the law…