During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth argued that the Trump administration does not need new congressional authorization for military operations related to Iran, citing a current ceasefire that he believes pauses the 60-day war powers clock established by the 1973 War Powers Resolution. This interpretation was challenged by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, who warned of important legal implications. Hegseth defended the Pentagon's efforts to protect civilians, claiming an 'ironclad commitment' to minimizing casualties, especially in light of reports of a strike that killed over 170 people at a girls' school. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand questioned the administration's justification for continuing military operations amidst apparent public disapproval, while President Donald Trump characterized the actions as a 'military operation' that has weakened Iran's capabilities.