‘No War With Iran’: US Speaker Downplays Tensions Amid Legal Deadline

Washington: Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson has clearly said that at present America is not at war with Iran. This statement has come at a time when the legal deadline for military action is approaching and questions are being raised about the situation.

What does the War Powers Act say?

According to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, any American president can take military action only for 60 days without the permission of Congress. Donald Trump briefed Congress on the operation in Iran on March 2, and now the deadline is approaching.

Is America trying for peace right now?

According to Mike Johnson, America is not in a direct war-like situation right now. He said that the effort at this time is to find a path to peace while managing the situation. Efforts are being made to reduce tension especially by keeping an eye on the activities in the Strait of Hormuz.

What does Trump make of these actions?

Donald Trump has also refused to consider these military activities as war. He says it is a “military operation” and not a formal war. He also claimed that Iran is ready for an agreement and its economic condition is continuously weakening.

Has the ceasefire changed the situation?

A ceasefire was announced between the US and Iran in April, which was later extended indefinitely. It is believed that due to this the legal deadlines have also been affected and at present the situation remains somewhat stable.

Is congressional approval not necessary?

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says that in the current situation, Congress's approval is not necessary, because the ceasefire is in force. According to him, as long as the ceasefire continues, the 60-day deadline may also remain stuck.

Has any solution been found through talks?

A round of talks between America and Iran did take place in Islamabad, but no concrete solution could be found out of it. Especially regarding Iran's nuclear program, both sides still stand on different stances, due to which it is not clear when and how further talks will take place.

Overall, the situation is such that the situation has not yet reached open war, but the tension has not completely ended. On one hand, efforts are being made to find a way out through dialogue, while on the other hand, military pressure is also maintained, due to which the atmosphere remains constantly sensitive.