Key development: The War Powers Resolution deadline hits Friday—60 days since Trump told Congress about the Iran war—and the White House is claiming the ceasefire means they don’t need congressional approval anymore.
US Policy
(Update) Trump administration says the Iran war is “terminated” so they don’t need Congress to approve anything, but lawmakers aren’t buying it. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers the ceasefire pauses or ends the War Powers clock. Congress says hostilities haven’t actually ceased since US forces remain deployed and active. (France24, Al Jazeera)
Context: The War Powers Resolution requires congressional approval after 60 days of hostilities. That deadline is Friday—60 days since Trump’s March 2 notification. The administration is arguing the legal requirement no longer applies due to the ceasefire, despite ongoing US military presence in the region. Lawmakers from both parties are challenging this interpretation.
| Sources: France24 | France24 | Al Jazeera |
(Update) US Central Command drafted a plan for “short and powerful” strikes on Iran to break the negotiation deadlock. Oil jumped 7% to $126 a barrel when Axios reported it, then fell back. (France24)
Context: This represents a concrete military option beyond diplomacy. The plan would involve a series of limited strikes aimed at forcing Iran back to the table. The report’s immediate market impact—briefly pushing Brent crude above $126—shows how sensitive oil prices are to any escalation signals.
Sources: France24
International
(Update) Trump now says he’s looking at pulling US troops from Italy and Spain over their criticism of the Iran war. This is on top of yesterday’s Germany threat. (Euronews)
Context: Trump is expanding his retaliation against European allies who’ve criticized the war. German Chancellor Merz said the US was being “humiliated” by Iran, which triggered Trump’s initial threat. Now Italy and Spain are in his crosshairs for similar disagreements over the conflict.
| Sources: Euronews | Euronews |
(Update) France announced its own UK-backed mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, separate from the US-led coalition. French officials say the two efforts will complement each other, not compete. (Euronews)
Context: This creates a new diplomatic structure that signals European allies want their own approach to the Hormuz blockade rather than just joining the US effort. France is positioning this as cooperative, but it also gives Europe independent leverage in the crisis and reflects broader transatlantic tensions.
Sources: Euronews
Military Operations
(Update) More than 40 Iranian merchant sailors have been killed in US and Israeli attacks on ports and commercial ships. That’s the first concrete casualty figure from the blockade. (Al Jazeera)
Context: Iran’s Merchant Mariners Syndicate released the number, blaming strikes on Iran’s ports and commercial fleet. This provides the first official death toll from the maritime blockade that has primarily been discussed in economic terms.
Sources: Al Jazeera
(Update) Israeli strikes killed at least 15 people in southern Lebanon yesterday, possibly over 30. The US embassy is now pushing for a direct meeting between Lebanon’s president and Netanyahu. (France24) [UNCONFIRMED]
Context: The US is calling this a “critical crossroads” for Lebanon despite the ceasefire. Lebanese President Aoun condemned the continued Israeli strikes. The higher death toll of 30+ comes from local media but hasn’t been independently verified.
Sources: France24
Economy
(Update) Fertilizer costs have hit a four-year low in affordability because of the Iran war. Energy prices and export disruptions from the Hormuz blockade are squeezing farmers globally. (Euronews)
Context: This is emerging as a food security problem, not just an oil crisis. Fertilizer production depends heavily on natural gas (for ammonia), and with energy prices spiking and exports blocked, farmers can’t afford inputs. The impact on food production will be felt months down the line.
Sources: Euronews
Inside Iran
Commercial flights resumed from Tehran’s main airport, but things still feel uncertain on the ground. (Al Jazeera) [UNCONFIRMED]
Context: Flights are gradually returning after being grounded during the heaviest fighting. It’s a sign of cautious normalization, though the situation remains fragile with the ceasefire holding only tenuously.
Sources: Al Jazeera
What to watch: Friday’s War Powers deadline and whether Congress actually does anything about it—or if the White House just ignores them.