Iran latest: War powers deadline set to pass as tensions with Iran continue

The May 1 deadline for Congress to intervene in the war has come, but many Republican lawmakers continue to defer to the White House. 

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 says Congress must declare war or authorize the use of force within 60 days. Congress has not made an attempt to force the issue, but many have left town for the week after the Senate again rejected a Democratic attempt to stop the war. 

The 60-day deadline falls on Friday. However, the Trump administration argues the deadline does not apply because they effectively ended action against Iran after the ceasefire began in early April. 

Despite the extension of the ceasefire agreement, Iran continues to keep a tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. Navy’s blockade remains. 

The war’s impact on energy resources has pushed up prices for food, fuel and other products that are made from petroleum. 

What’s more, the U.S. has spent an estimated $25 billion so far on the war, a top defense official revealed on Wednesday. 

Much of that money has gone toward munitions, running operations and replacing equipment.

Here's the latest from Friday:

Iran pitches new plan

10:46 a.m. ET: Iranian state media reported that Tehran delivered their latest negotiation plan to end the war with the U.S. to Pakistan. 

The text of the plan was sent to Pakistan but no details were immediately available, according to Iran's IRNA news agency. 

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghai said in a televised interview that ending the war and achieving peace is the country's top priority.

Some Republicans want a vote

6:32 a.m. ET: Several republicans have signaled they'd want a vote on further continuation of the war with Iran. For the first time, Senator Susan Collins voted with Democrats to stop the war, citing that she wants to see a defined strategy to end the conflict. 

"The president’s authority as commander-in-chief is not without limits," Collins said, adding that the 60-day deadline is "not a suggestion, it is a requirement."

Additional Republican senators have also added they would eventually want to see a vote. 

"It is time for decision-making from both the administration and from Congress — and that can happen in league with one another, not in conflict," said Senator John Curtis.