As the stalemate between Washington and Tehran drags on and the world waits in hope of a deal, the very real possibility of an alternate outcome – the resumption of war – looms overhead.

WASHINGTON — Iran is taking advantage of the ceasefire with the U.S. to dig out its weapons.

President Donald Trump on Thursday said that no one knows the status of talks with Iran aside from himself and a handful of others. Follow for live updates.

Meanwhile, benchmark Brent crude for June delivery reached as much as $126 a barrel in trading on Thursday as Iran maintains its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all crude oil and natural gas traded passes.

The defense secretary testified on the eve of the 60-day mark of the war, a major statutory deadline for the president to withdraw forces or seek approval from Congress to continue the fight.

With a two-week ceasefire set to expire and Iran balking at the resumption of peace talks, President Trump said he would be extending the deadline to allow for Iran to "come up with a unified proposal.

The War Powers Act requires that the Trump administration seek lawmakers' consent to continue hostilities beyond 60 days, a time limit that expires Friday.

Brent crude prices jumped sharply early Thursday. Meanwhile, Hegseth described lawmakers who criticize the war with Iran as “the biggest adversary.” Follow for live updates.