Trump faces May 1 War Powers deadline on Iran conflict

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- Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran but gave no new deadline for talks, maintaining a near‑one‑week naval blockade on Tehran.
- War Powers Act forces the president to get congressional approval by May 1, after a 60‑day deployment window and a possible 30‑day extension.
- Congress has not passed a joint resolution, and deep partisan splits make authorisation unlikely.
- Iran shut the Hormuz Strait, delaying Indian shipments and increasing pressure on regional trade.
- Senate saw a fourth bipartisan bid on April 15 to curb the president’s authority over the Iran operation.
Why it matters: Congress must vote by May 1, extending the 60‑day limit and possibly a 30‑day extension, keeping US forces in the Gulf and prolonging Indian exporters’ shipping delays, boosting Iran’s bargaining power.

