House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the U.S. is “not at war” with Iran, a claim that sharply contrasts with President Trump’s repeated references to the ongoing military conflict as a war.
The military conflict with Iran is nearing the 60-day mark, as outlined in the 1973 War Powers Resolution. This resolution mandates that the president must withdraw forces within 60 days unless Congress authorizes military action.
Johnson expressed reluctance for Congress to intervene in military actions during sensitive negotiations. He emphasized caution in handling such matters.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that the 60-day clock pauses during a ceasefire, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Meanwhile, Trump has referred to the conflict with Iran as a “war” multiple times, underscoring a significant divide in perspectives among top officials.
The Pentagon reports that the war in Iran has cost approximately $25 billion so far. The Trump administration plans to request supplemental funding for this military operation.
In related news, the House of Representatives recently voted to reopen most of the Department of Homeland Security, effectively ending a record 76-day shutdown.
This shutdown had significant implications for various government functions and services.
Critics within the House Republican Conference have voiced concerns about Johnson’s leadership style amidst these developments. Some members feel he has struggled to unify differing factions.
Johnson had to negotiate with holdouts to pass a controversial provision of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This highlights ongoing tensions within Congress regarding national security and budget resolutions.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as negotiations continue over military funding and legislative priorities.