Middle East War Day 62: US Claims Ceasefire Pauses Congressional Authorization Clock; Latest Developments at a Glance
On the 62nd day of the Middle East war, the US claims a ceasefire has paused the congressional authorization deadline. Iran warns of retaliatory attacks against US targets and emphasizes its control over the Strait of Hormuz. International crude oil prices have soared, and the UN Secretary-General warns of the global economic impact from the Strait of Hormuz blockade.
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- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 13:45
- 🔍 Collected: May 1, 2026 at 14:01 (16 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 2, 2026 at 00:12 (10h 11m after Collected)
Key News on the US-Iran War
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Paris, 30th, comprehensive foreign reports) On the 62nd day of the US and Israel's joint attack on Iran, the Trump administration claims that the ceasefire has "paused the clock" on the congressional authorization for the US-Iran war, preparing to disregard the original authorization deadline. Iran has warned that even a limited new round of attacks will trigger a long and painful retaliatory strike against US targets.
The following is the latest situation of the Middle East war compiled by AFP and other foreign media.
The Wall Street Journal reported that according to the US 1973 War Powers Resolution, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of taking military action and withdraw US troops within 60 days, unless Congress declares war or authorizes the use of force.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee that the current ceasefire with Iran, which began on April 8, has paused the countdown. He said: "We are currently in a ceasefire, and our understanding is that this means the 60-day clock will be suspended or stopped during the ceasefire. That is our understanding."
US President Trump said today that he might withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain due due to their opposition to the Iran war. Trump had proposed a similar idea the day before, planning to reduce the number of US troops stationed in Germany.
When asked if he would also consider reducing US troops stationed in Spain and Italy, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office: "Yeah, probably, I'll probably do that. Why not? Italy doesn't help us at all, and Spain is even worse, just terrible."
Trump had earlier stated that the US was considering reducing its troops stationed in Germany because German Chancellor Friedrich Merz refused to join the US war against Iran. There are currently about 35,000 to 50,000 US troops stationed in Germany.
Israel's Defense Minister said his country might soon need to "act again" against Iran to ensure Iran "does not pose a threat to Israel again."
According to a statement issued by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Defense Minister Israel Katz pointed out: "US President Trump is coordinating with (Israeli) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leading efforts to achieve operational objectives to ensure that Iran will not pose a threat to Israel, the United States, and the free world again in the future."
The US Embassy in Lebanon called for a meeting between Lebanese and Israeli leaders, stating that "Lebanon is at a crossroads. The Lebanese people have a historic opportunity to regain control of their country and shape it into a truly sovereign and independent nation. The time for hesitation is over."
As the two countries prepare for direct talks, Trump said he hopes to host Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "in the coming weeks."
Reuters reported that Iran stated that if the US launches another attack and reasserts its claims over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will launch "long and painful retaliatory strikes" against US targets, complicating US plans to form a coalition to reopen this vital waterway.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also vowed that his country's control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz will ensure that there will be no US presence in the region in the future.
Ghalibaf posted on social media X on Persian Gulf Day: "Today, by managing the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will bring precious blessings to itself and its neighbors, ushering in a future free from US presence and interference."
Tasnim News Agency and Fars News Agency reported that air defense sirens sounded in the Iranian capital Tehran tonight, and air defense systems were activated for about 20 minutes to intercept small aircraft and drones, after which Tehran returned to "normal state."
International crude oil prices climbed to a four-year high, with the international benchmark Brent crude for June delivery surging over 7% to $126.41 per barrel; US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 3.4% to $110.31 per barrel, before paring some gains.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned in remarks to the media that the Strait of Hormuz is effectively blockaded due to the Iran war, and the worsening impact on the global economy from the closure of this vital waterway is "strangling the global economy."
The ceasefire between Israel and the Iranian-backed armed group Hezbollah has lasted nearly two weeks. The Lebanese Ministry of Health stated that Israeli airstrikes on three villages in southern Lebanon killed nine people, including two children and five women.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Israel's "continuous violations" in southern Lebanon, stating that "despite the ceasefire agreement, these actions occurred, with homes and religious sites destroyed, and casualties increasing daily."
He added: "Pressure must be exerted on Israel to ensure it complies with international law and conventions, and stops attacks against civilians, medical personnel, civil defense personnel, and humanitarian medical and rescue organizations."
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, stated at an energy transition conference in Paris that with the outbreak of the Middle East war leading to rising oil prices, the world is facing a "major energy and economic challenge," and oil prices are "putting immense pressure on many countries." (Compiled by: Chang Hsiao-wen) 1150501
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Paris, 30th, comprehensive foreign reports) On the 62nd day of the US and Israel's joint attack on Iran, the Trump administration claims that the ceasefire has "paused the clock" on the congressional authorization for the US-Iran war, preparing to disregard the original authorization deadline. Iran has warned that even a limited new round of attacks will trigger a long and painful retaliatory strike against US targets.
The following is the latest situation of the Middle East war compiled by AFP and other foreign media.
The Wall Street Journal reported that according to the US 1973 War Powers Resolution, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of taking military action and withdraw US troops within 60 days, unless Congress declares war or authorizes the use of force.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee that the current ceasefire with Iran, which began on April 8, has paused the countdown. He said: "We are currently in a ceasefire, and our understanding is that this means the 60-day clock will be suspended or stopped during the ceasefire. That is our understanding."
US President Trump said today that he might withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain due due to their opposition to the Iran war. Trump had proposed a similar idea the day before, planning to reduce the number of US troops stationed in Germany.
When asked if he would also consider reducing US troops stationed in Spain and Italy, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office: "Yeah, probably, I'll probably do that. Why not? Italy doesn't help us at all, and Spain is even worse, just terrible."
Trump had earlier stated that the US was considering reducing its troops stationed in Germany because German Chancellor Friedrich Merz refused to join the US war against Iran. There are currently about 35,000 to 50,000 US troops stationed in Germany.
Israel's Defense Minister said his country might soon need to "act again" against Iran to ensure Iran "does not pose a threat to Israel again."
According to a statement issued by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Defense Minister Israel Katz pointed out: "US President Trump is coordinating with (Israeli) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leading efforts to achieve operational objectives to ensure that Iran will not pose a threat to Israel, the United States, and the free world again in the future."
The US Embassy in Lebanon called for a meeting between Lebanese and Israeli leaders, stating that "Lebanon is at a crossroads. The Lebanese people have a historic opportunity to regain control of their country and shape it into a truly sovereign and independent nation. The time for hesitation is over."
As the two countries prepare for direct talks, Trump said he hopes to host Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "in the coming weeks."
Reuters reported that Iran stated that if the US launches another attack and reasserts its claims over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will launch "long and painful retaliatory strikes" against US targets, complicating US plans to form a coalition to reopen this vital waterway.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also vowed that his country's control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz will ensure that there will be no US presence in the region in the future.
Ghalibaf posted on social media X on Persian Gulf Day: "Today, by managing the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will bring precious blessings to itself and its neighbors, ushering in a future free from US presence and interference."
Tasnim News Agency and Fars News Agency reported that air defense sirens sounded in the Iranian capital Tehran tonight, and air defense systems were activated for about 20 minutes to intercept small aircraft and drones, after which Tehran returned to "normal state."
International crude oil prices climbed to a four-year high, with the international benchmark Brent crude for June delivery surging over 7% to $126.41 per barrel; US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 3.4% to $110.31 per barrel, before paring some gains.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned in remarks to the media that the Strait of Hormuz is effectively blockaded due to the Iran war, and the worsening impact on the global economy from the closure of this vital waterway is "strangling the global economy."
The ceasefire between Israel and the Iranian-backed armed group Hezbollah has lasted nearly two weeks. The Lebanese Ministry of Health stated that Israeli airstrikes on three villages in southern Lebanon killed nine people, including two children and five women.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Israel's "continuous violations" in southern Lebanon, stating that "despite the ceasefire agreement, these actions occurred, with homes and religious sites destroyed, and casualties increasing daily."
He added: "Pressure must be exerted on Israel to ensure it complies with international law and conventions, and stops attacks against civilians, medical personnel, civil defense personnel, and humanitarian medical and rescue organizations."
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, stated at an energy transition conference in Paris that with the outbreak of the Middle East war leading to rising oil prices, the world is facing a "major energy and economic challenge," and oil prices are "putting immense pressure on many countries." (Compiled by: Chang Hsiao-wen) 1150501
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.