US-Iran War Enters Inspector General Review; 60-Day Troop Deployment Rule in Focus

(CNA Washington, 3rd Combined Foreign Reports) The Offices of Inspector General for the Pentagon, the State Department, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced today that they have initiated a joint review of the US-Iran war, stating that by law, any overseas military operation exceeding 60 days is subject to investigation. CNN reported that this announcement is significant because it shows these oversight bodies believe the military action has legally exceeded 60 days, counting from the start of the war on February 28. Under the War Powers Resolution, if Congress has not formally declared war or authorized the use of force, the President must terminate military action within 60 days. The Trump administration did not seek congressional authorization before launching 'Operation Epic Fury' against Iran. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated in May that he believed the 60-day clock had been 'reset' when President Trump declared a ceasefire in April. The Hill reported that the Pentagon's Office of the Inspector General announced today that Inspector General Platte Moring has been formally designated as the lead official. He will lead a joint oversight panel to conduct a comprehensive review of the conflict and submit regular reports to Congress. The Inspector General Act mandates that when a U.S. military operation exceeds 60 days, a principal federal inspector general must be designated to coordinate oversight. Moring stated that the relevant agencies will work closely together. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth noted that the Trump administration's statements on the goals and strategy of Operation Epic Fury have been 'constantly shifting and contradictory,' making independent and comprehensive joint oversight 'critical.' Democrats have repeatedly criticized the U.S. military action against Iran, arguing it lacks legitimacy and is unnecessary, and that it has driven up global energy prices without setting clear strategic objectives. Moring is expected to submit quarterly reports to Congress, with the first report anticipated this fall. (Editor: Liu Wenyu) 1150604