Trump’s Iran War Clock Ticks as Oil Prices Surge Amid Ceasefire Claims

Oil markets roared this week as President Donald Trump faces a critical 60-day deadline imposed by the War Powers Resolution tied to the undeclared conflict with Iran. Brent crude briefly hit a four-year high before settling, reflecting investor jitters about the escalating military and diplomatic standoff.

The War Powers Resolution, passed in 1973, requires the president to withdraw U.S. forces within 60 days of notifying Congress about military action unless Congress explicitly authorizes continued engagement. Trump formally notified Congress on March 2, starting the clock that now runs out on May 1. Yet Congress has not granted approval, and the White House has not requested the 30-day extension allowed under the law.

In a bid to sidestep legal constraints, the Trump administration argues that a ceasefire reached on April 7 “terminated” hostilities, effectively pausing the war and stopping the War Powers clock. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the House Armed Services Committee that the absence of direct fire means the conflict is no longer active for legal purposes.

This claim is a dangerous stretch. The U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, and while no direct attacks have occurred since the ceasefire, tensions remain high. Trump escalated threats this week, vowing to maintain a blockade on Iranian ports until Iran agrees to a nuclear deal. Tehran has refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz unless the blockade lifts, and Iranian Revolutionary Guards have threatened “long and painful strikes” if the U.S. renews attacks.

Axios revealed that U.S. Central Command has prepared plans for a “short and powerful” strike campaign aimed at forcing Iran back to the negotiating table. The administration’s attempt to claim the war is “paused” looks more like a legal dodge to avoid Congressional oversight and accountability.

The spike in oil prices underscores the real-world consequences of Trump’s reckless brinkmanship and disregard for constitutional limits on war powers. This administration’s pattern of manufacturing conflict abroad to distract from domestic scandals and consolidate power continues unchecked. Congress must act to hold the president accountable before the United States is dragged deeper into another costly, illegal war.