President Donald Trump announced a two-week suspension of military strikes against Iran on Tuesday night, stepping back from earlier threats of significant escalation. The decision followed diplomatic efforts, including Pakistani mediation, and coincided with an approaching U.S. congressional deadline regarding ongoing military operations. Lawmakers, on recess until next week, confront a constitutional debate, with some Republicans asserting a requirement for presidential approval for military engagements extending beyond 60 to 90 days. The conflict began on February 28, placing the 60-day mark around the end of April.

Trump's conditional cease-fire is contingent on Iran agreeing to the "complete, immediate, and safe opening" of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council reiterated its peace plan, which includes "regulated passage through the Strait of Hormuz under the coordination of the Armed Forces of Iran." Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are scheduled to commence Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan, with a potential extension of the cease-fire. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated the agreement extended "everywhere including Lebanon," a claim Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office disputed. Israel confirmed its forces were continuing strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, asserting the cease-fire does not apply. Following the cease-fire announcement, Iran reportedly fired missiles at Israel and several Gulf countries.

The military actions have intensified a debate within Congress over presidential war powers. The 1973 War Powers Act mandates presidential notification within 48 hours of deploying troops, requiring operations to cease after 60 days unless Congress declares war or authorizes force. While the Trump administration and some allies argue the act is unconstitutional, President Trump recently acknowledged avoiding the term "war" due to congressional consent concerns. Representative Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) stated initial notification requirements were met but agreed congressional action would be necessary if operations exceed the 60- to 90-day window.

Several Republican lawmakers, including Senators John Curtis (R-Utah), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), have asserted that congressional approval or an end to operations would be necessary after the 60- to 90-day period. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) has discussed drafting a formal authorization. Past resolutions limiting military actions largely failed along party lines in the Senate. Democrats, including Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.), condemned Trump's earlier threats, with some calling for the invocation of the 25th Amendment. House Democratic leadership urged lawmakers to return early to vote on ending the conflict.

President Trump's prior threats to strike Iranian infrastructure drew broad criticism, including from some conservative commentators and Republican Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), who opposed targeting civilian sites. U.S. defense officials had prepared for potential strikes, maintaining targets would be legally viable and connected to military forces, minimizing civilian harm. Over 39 days, the U.S. had struck more than 13,000 targets, including over 50 on Kharg Island, avoiding oil infrastructure. The cease-fire announcement drew mixed reactions; some Republicans praised the step, while some Democrats expressed relief but criticized the preceding war effort, with Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) suggesting Iran gained control over the Strait of Hormuz.