Overview
- Following Thursday's 50–47 procedural vote in the Republican-led Senate, Democrats' bid to force an end to hostilities failed as the 60‑day War Powers deadline arrived.
- The White House argues the early‑April ceasefire pauses or even "terminates" War Powers deadlines, a stance Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth relayed to senators that Democrats including Tim Kaine say has no basis in law.
- Trump said any renewed strikes "depend" on negotiations and that only a small circle knows the talks, which he now conducts by phone as Pakistani mediators anticipate a revised Iranian proposal by Friday.
- Pentagon leaders briefed Trump Thursday on updated options reported to include a short, heavy strike package, potential US control of the Strait of Hormuz, and a mission to secure enriched uranium stockpiles.
- A US naval blockade continues to restrict Iran’s oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global energy flows, and Iran calls the blockade a continuation of hostilities that is lifting fuel prices worldwide.