Trump Voices Fresh Frustration With Iran as War Powers Deadline Draws Near

Donald Trump has again expressed dissatisfaction with Iran as legal and political pressure grows over the administration’s military involvement alongside Israel and a key congressional deadline approaches.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said recent talks with Iran had not yet produced the progress he wanted.

“We just had a conversation with Iran. Let’s see what happens. But, I would say that I am not happy,” he said.

Friday marked the 60th day since Trump formally notified Congress of military strikes against Iran on 2 March. Under the U.S. War Powers Resolution, a president must terminate the use of U.S. armed forces within 60 days of such notification unless Congress grants formal approval or authorises an extension.

The law, passed in 1973 during the Vietnam War era to limit presidential war-making powers under former President Richard Nixon, remains central to the legal debate now facing the White House.

Pete Hegseth defended the administration’s position during Senate questioning, arguing that the ongoing ceasefire between Iran and Israel effectively pauses the legal clock.

“We are in a ceasefire right now, which our understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire,” Hegseth said.

However, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine challenged that interpretation, warning that the administration may be approaching a significant legal confrontation.

“I do not believe the statute would support that. I think the 60 days runs maybe tomorrow, and it’s going to pose a really important legal question for the administration there,” Kaine responded.

A senior administration official insisted that hostilities had “terminated,” stressing that a ceasefire has been in place since early April. Despite the pause in direct conflict, no long-term diplomatic agreement has yet been secured.

Iranian state media, including IRNA, reported on Friday that Tehran had sent a new proposal for negotiations to U.S. officials through intermediaries in Pakistan. Details of the proposal were not made public, and it remains unclear whether Washington has formally received it.

Trump said one reason negotiations have been difficult is that Iran’s leadership remains destabilised following the deaths of several top military commanders during the conflict.

He also revealed that he had been presented with sharply different strategic options by U.S. Central Command, ranging from a major military escalation to a negotiated diplomatic settlement.

“I was briefed with options… from ‘blast the hell out of them and finish them forever’ to ‘make a deal,’” Trump said.

Global markets have been closely watching developments, particularly after Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz caused major disruptions to international oil supply routes. Although oil prices eased slightly following reports of Tehran’s latest proposal, the vital waterway remains effectively closed, continuing to generate significant economic concerns worldwide.