US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress that the 48-hour clock requiring President Trump to seek legislative approval for military action against Iran has effectively been paused. The claim came as part of the administration's explanation of why it has not formally notified Congress under the War Powers Resolution, the 1973 law that limits a president's ability to wage war without congressional sign-off. Hegseth argued that ceasefire conditions pause or stop the reporting timer under that law. The administration struck Iran three times and also struck Houthi targets in Yemen before a ceasefire was announced. Critics in Congress, including some Republicans, have pushed back, saying the War Powers Resolution does not include a ceasefire pause provision. The dispute matters because the War Powers Resolution is one of Congress's main tools for checking executive military action. If the administration's interpretation holds, it could set a precedent allowing future presidents to delay or avoid congressional notification by citing ceasefire agreements. Watch for whether Congress moves to formally challenge the interpretation or demand a separate authorisation vote.
Qatar's foreign ministry said mediators including Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman have reached "very progressive stages" in efforts to end the US-Iran war, pushing Brent crude down more than four percent.
Qatar confirmed it is mediating between the US and Iran but said no direct talks are currently planned. The clarification follows conflicting statements from President Trump, who claimed talks are under way, and Tehran, which denied any dialogue is happening.
Saudi Aramco reported sharply higher second-quarter 2026 profits as the Iran war restricts global oil supply and pushes crude prices up. Other oil supermajors also posted outsized earnings, raising concerns about sustained fuel cost pressure for importing economies.
President Trump called current Iran negotiations the "last chance" to end five months of conflict, pushing oil prices higher. Tehran denied formal talks are taking place, raising the risk of a diplomatic breakdown with direct consequences for global energy markets.
