Trump Shrugs Off Iran Peace Offer as War Powers Act Deadline Looms

President Trump is playing fast and loose with both diplomacy and the law as the War Powers Act deadline hits for congressional oversight of U.S. military actions involving Iran. Despite Iran’s reportedly revised peace proposal, Trump expressed skepticism and said he was “not satisfied with it” before jetting off to Florida. Yet at the same time, he sent letters to Congress declaring that “hostilities” have ended and that he does not need their approval to continue any military operations.

This move flies in the face of the War Powers Act, which requires presidents to seek congressional authorization or withdraw forces after 60 days of military engagement. When pressed by Senator Tim Kaine about whether the administration would seek authorization or provide documentation to justify extending the timeline, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dodged and deferred to the White House, claiming the ceasefire “pauses or stops” the 60-day clock. This legal contortion attempts to sidestep congressional oversight and accountability.

Public opinion is turning sharply against the administration’s Iran policy. A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll shows over 60% of Americans believe military action in Iran was a mistake, with only 46% of Republicans calling it a success so far. Meanwhile, the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz continues to strangle Iran’s oil exports, inflicting economic pain aimed at forcing Tehran to accept harsher terms at the negotiating table.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed to defend the country’s nuclear and missile programs and control of the strait, signaling that Tehran will not capitulate easily. Trump’s blunt statement that the U.S. can either “blast the hell out of them” or make a deal underscores the reckless brinkmanship at play.

This episode highlights a disturbing pattern of the Trump administration bypassing Congress and undermining democratic checks on war powers. The president’s cavalier dismissal of legislative authority and public skepticism raises urgent questions about accountability and the true cost of this escalating conflict. We will keep tracking how this dangerous standoff unfolds and who will be held responsible.