US ceasefire with Iran sets diplomatic clock for Trump as war powers deadline nears
Two-week truce with Tehran leaves Trump mere days to finalise a deal before a legal cut-off triggers a high-stakes clash with US Congress
This has left open the question of how the conflict will proceed if diplomacy fails and the legal clock runs out.
“Almost all the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two-week period will allow the agreement to be finalised and consummated,” Trump said in a social media post on Tuesday.
The War Powers Resolution, enacted in 1973, requires the US president to consult Congress “in every possible instance” before introducing armed forces into hostilities and to withdraw forces within 60 days unless Congress declares war or authorises the use of force.
The law also provides expedited procedures for lawmakers to vote on resolutions blocking further military action.