Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says timeline is on hold amid ceasefire, while questions persist over congressional authorization and potential deal with Iran.
WASHINGTON (Horn post) Donald Trump said Friday that negotiations with Iran remain uncertain, even as a temporary ceasefire holds and a key legal deadline on U.S. military action passes without congressional authorization.
“We are talking to Iran now. Let’s see what happens. But I would say I’m not happy,” Trump told reporters, signaling frustration over the pace and direction of the talks.
The remarks came as the 60-day deadline under the War Powers framework expired, following Trump’s formal notification to Congress on March 2 regarding U.S. airstrikes targeting Iran. U.S. law requires the president to halt military operations within 60 days without congressional approval.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argued the timeline is effectively paused, citing a cessation of hostilities after a ceasefire took effect in early April.
A senior administration official said the conflict had “stopped,” noting there has been no direct exchange of fire between U.S. and Iranian forces since April 7. In a letter to congressional leaders, Trump asserted that “the hostilities… have concluded,” and therefore additional authorization was not required.
Despite the lull in fighting, no long-term agreement has been reached. Iranian state media reported Friday that Tehran had submitted a new proposal for negotiations via intermediaries in Pakistan. However, details of the proposal were not disclosed, and it remains unclear whether it has reached Washington.
Trump said reaching a deal has proven difficult, partly due to what he described as disarray within Iran’s leadership following the killing of several senior military officials during the conflict.
He added that the U.S. Central Command had presented him with a range of options, from a decisive military escalation to a negotiated settlement.
The developments highlight ongoing tensions between the executive branch and Congress over war powers, even as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent a broader regional conflict.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
