U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he does not consider it necessary to hold a vote in Congress to authorize the use of military force (AUMF) against Iran. Speaking with reporters, he emphasized that the main efforts are currently focused on “resolving” the conflict, which has been ongoing for several months.

“The commander in chief and the entire Defense Department are working hard to bring this to a resolution. There are many discussions underway about exactly how that will be done. We are all, of course, closely watching how events develop,” the speaker said, adding: “I do not think authorization for the use of military force is advisable right now. I believe we need to reach a resolution.”

He called the recent deaths of American service members “a great tragedy,” again stressing that the administration is “working around the clock to resolve” the conflict “in a way that avoids further losses among personnel,” CNN reports.

Johnson has long insisted that Congress should give the Trump administration broad freedom of action in conducting the conflict and negotiating with the leadership of the Iranian regime. He has also avoided using the term “war” and in March expressed confidence that U.S. operations in Iran would be concluded “in short order.”

Responding to a question from CNN about those past statements, the speaker said that the “main problem” lies in Tehran’s actions.

“Look, the Iranians cannot be trusted. That is the problem,” he said. “Every time it seems we are coming to some kind of solution, they almost immediately undermine the trust of the other side at the negotiating table. That is why we are so frustrated.”