Trump Weighs Extending US-Iran War Beyond 60-Day Deadline

President Donald Trump is weighing options to keep the US-Iran war active after the 60-day limit set by the War Powers Resolution. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told the Senate that the current ceasefire pauses the clock, while senior commanders are drafting plans for rapid strikes and a possible ground deployment to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

iNews

The conflict began on 28 February with US-Israel air strikes. A ceasefire was soon declared, which officials say halts the statutory 60-day countdown. The US has maintained a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz throughout the two-month war.

iNews

• Donald Trump – President, author of the blockade policy.

iNews

• Pete Hegseth – Secretary of War, testified on the ceasefire’s effect on the War Powers clock.

iNews

• Robin Mills – Analyst, Columbia University Centre on Global Energy Policy.

iNews

• Esfandyar Batmanghelidj – CEO, Bourse and Bazaar economic think-tank.

iNews

• Dina Esfandiary – Gulf security specialist, Bloomberg Geoeconomics.

iNews

• 28 Feb 2024 – US-Israel air campaign begins.

iNews

• 28 Apr 2024 – 60-day deadline reached; officials discuss extensions and new operations.

iNews

Oil prices have risen above $120 per barrel, nearly double pre-war levels. Loading fell from over 2 million bpd to about 567,000 bpd. Iran loses roughly £300 million a day. Columbia estimates three weeks at 85 % capacity; HFI projects up to 53 days of storage.

iNews

Hegseth told senators that the ceasefire stops the 60-day War Powers clock. Trump argued the blockade is more effective than bombing and called it a clever strategy.

iNews

Economists say the blockade is unlikely to force Tehran’s capitulation and could worsen an economic crisis. The Foundation for the Defence of Democracies warns Iran’s infrastructure could be crippled in days, while experts note Iran can cut production and shift exports overland to China and Pakistan.

iNews

Kpler says Iran has about two weeks of storage, Columbia estimates three weeks at 85 % capacity, and HFI projects up to 53 days. No public data confirm a US request for congressional authorization.

iNews

• “We are in a ceasefire right now, which our understanding means the 60-day clock pauses, or stops, in a ceasefire,” — Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War

iNews

• “somewhat more effective than bombing” — Donald Trump, President

iNews

• “There is definitely the option that if storage fills up they will cut production as they have before,” — Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, CEO, Bourse and Bazaar

iNews

• “The blockade is serious. It’s having a real impact. Iran is struggling economically,” — Dina Esfandiary, Bloomberg Geoeconomics

iNews

Oil prices above $120 per barrel are fueling global inflation, prompting jet-fuel shortages that force European airlines to cancel flights and creating fertilizer deficits that threaten Asian rice supplies. The blockade also pressures Gulf oil exporters beyond Iran.

iNews

The White House may seek a 30-day extension of the War Powers deadline while finalizing plans for a rapid “shock-and-awe” strike or limited ground operation. Diplomatic channels remain stalled, leaving renewed negotiations uncertain.

iNews