President Donald Trump has informed the US Congress that military hostilities with Iran have ended, arguing that a ceasefire means he is not required to seek formal legislative approval under US war powers law.
Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, a president must obtain congressional approval within 60 days of initiating military action or halt operations. However, in a letter to congressional leaders, Trump stated that the ongoing ceasefire reached last month effectively paused the legal countdown, removing the obligation to comply with the deadline.
Trump wrote that no exchange of fire has taken place between US and Iranian forces since early April, declaring that the conflict that began in February has now concluded. Despite this, officials acknowledge that a long-term peace agreement has not yet been reached, though reports suggest Iran may have sent a new diplomatic proposal via intermediaries in Pakistan.
The White House maintains that options remain open, ranging from continued pressure to a negotiated settlement. Meanwhile, the US Treasury has warned against any transactions that assist Iran’s restricted access through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains largely closed and continues to disrupt global shipping.
Legal experts and some lawmakers dispute the administration’s interpretation of the war powers law, arguing that a ceasefire does not reset the constitutional deadline. Debate continues in Congress over whether to formally vote on authorising or ending the conflict.
