Tehran activated its air defenses late Thursday to counter small aircraft and reconnaissance drones, as the White House indicated it would not be constrained by a congressional deadline regarding the war with Iran. The activation, reported by Tasnim and Fars news agencies, lasted approximately 20 minutes before the situation returned to normal, according to officials.
Congressional Deadline Looms
The Trump administration faced a midnight deadline to secure congressional authorization for the conflict. However, the administration argued that the 60-day clock under the War Powers Resolution was effectively paused by a ceasefire announced last month. A senior administration official stated, "For War Powers Resolution purposes, the hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28 have terminated," noting no exchange of fire since the April 7 ceasefire.
Supreme Leader Declares 'Shameful Defeat'
Earlier Thursday, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei declared that the United States had suffered a shameful defeat, rejecting Trump's warning of a prolonged naval blockade. In a statement read on state television, Khamenei said, "Today, two months after the largest military deployment and aggression by the world's bullies in the region, and the United States' disgraceful defeat in its plans, a new chapter is unfolding for the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz." He predicted a future without U.S. presence in the region.
Khamenei, who was wounded in the initial US-Israeli strikes that killed his father, Ali Khamenei, has not been seen publicly since becoming supreme leader in March.
Blockade and Oil Prices
The United States imposed a blockade on Iran's ports two weeks ago, while Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz. Washington is assembling an international coalition to ensure safe passage through the strait while maintaining the blockade. Trump threatened to withdraw U.S. troops from Italy and Spain, extending similar warnings to Germany, criticizing NATO allies for insufficient support.
Oil prices hit a four-year high, with Brent crude soaring over seven percent to $126 a barrel before easing. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the closure of Hormuz was "strangling the global economy," and IEA chief Fatih Birol called it "the biggest energy crisis in history."
Israeli and Iranian Warnings
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of possible further action against Iran, while Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander Majid Mousavi said any enemy operation would be met with "painful, prolonged, and extensive strikes." Tehran residents expressed despair over the government's grip on power and stalled negotiations.
Lebanon Front
Violence continued on the Lebanese front, with the U.S. embassy urging talks between Lebanese and Israeli leaders. Israeli strikes killed at least 15 people in southern Lebanon, including a soldier and his family. Trump expressed hope to host Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu soon.
