Trump faces Friday deadline to end US-Israel war on Iran or seek Congress extension

President Donald Trump is facing a deadline to secure congressional authorization for the US war against Iran. The 60-day clock, triggered when Trump notified Congress of attacks in early March, requires the administration to begin winding down hostilities unless lawmakers authorize the use of force. Democrats argue Trump is violating the War Powers Act, while the administration claims a ceasefire paused the clock. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers the government believes the clock pauses during a halt in fighting. Senators voted to reject a resolution curbing Trump's authority, and efforts to block the war face steep odds. The dispute presents a high-stakes test of Congress's authority over war powers.