Oil rises as White House says Iran ceasefire halts 60-day war deadline
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Oil prices dipped slightly on Thursday, influenced by the deadlock in peace negotiations between Iran and the United States, as well as ongoing limitations affecting the Strait of Hormuz.

However, by Friday, oil prices bounced back following a turbulent trading session. On Thursday, the Brent crude oil contract for June hit a remarkable four-year high, reaching $126.41 per barrel before settling at $114.01.

As of Friday morning at 6:34 a.m. ET, the July Brent futures contract had risen by 0.9%, trading at $111.42. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures for June experienced a modest increase of 0.31%, positioning at $105.40 per barrel.

This fluctuation in oil prices occurs amidst a looming deadline for U.S. President Donald Trump, who has a 60-day period to address military actions related to the conflict with Iran, as stipulated by the War Powers Resolution.

On Friday, the July Brent futures contract rose 0.9% to $111.42 as of 6:34 a.m. ET, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures for June gained 0.31% to $105.40.

The moves come as U.S. President Donald Trump faces a 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution related to military action in the Iran war.

Under the 1973 law, a president must withdraw troops within 60 days of notifying Congress of their deployment, unless lawmakers authorize the military action. Congress has not done so.

The Trump administration argued on Friday that a ceasefire reached three weeks ago had “terminated” hostilities between the two sides, according to MSNow. This would allow the White House to avoid seeking Congressional approval for the war.

An administration official said that the absence of direct fire between U.S. forces and Iran since a ceasefire was first agreed to on April 7 means the 60-day clock no longer applies.

“For War Powers Resolution purposes, the hostilities that began on Saturday, February ​28, have terminated,” an administration official told MSNow.

The argument was first raised by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his hearing before the House Armed Services Committee earlier Thursday, where he said the ceasefire effectively paused the war.

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The U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, and Trump formally notified Congress on March 2, starting the 60-day clock and setting up a May 1 deadline.

Trump could seek a 30-day extension under the law but has not done so, according to lawmakers.

Tensions remain elevated despite a ceasefire. Trump on Wednesday escalated threats against Tehran, vowing to maintain the U.S. blockade on Iran until Tehran agrees to a nuclear deal.

Tehran has refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz unless the U.S. lifts its blockade of Iranian ports.

Axios also reported that the U.S. Central Command had prepared a plan for a “short and powerful” wave of strikes on Iran in hopes of breaking stalled talks between Washington and Tehran.

While the two sides are currently in a ceasefire, a senior official from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards had reportedly threatened “long and painful strikes” on U.S. positions if Washington renewed attacks on Iran, Reuters reported, citing Iranian media.

— CNBC’s Kevin Breuninger contributed to this report.

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