The White House has informed the United States Congress that hostilities with Iran have officially “terminated,” despite the continued deployment of American military forces in the region.
In a letter sent on Friday, May 1, Donald Trump argued that the conflict, which reportedly began on February 28, 2026, effectively ended following a fragile ceasefire reached in early April.
The statement comes as the administration faced a legal deadline under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which requires presidents to seek congressional authorization within 60 days of initiating hostilities. The deadline expired on Friday.
Trump, writing to Mike Johnson and Chuck Grassley, maintained that because active hostilities had ended, the legal requirement no longer applied. However, he warned that threats in the region remain significant and said U.S. forces would continue operations aimed at maintaining stability and peace.
The administration’s position has divided lawmakers. John Thune reportedly indicated there were no plans for a Senate vote authorizing military action, while Kevin Cramer questioned the constitutionality of the War Powers Resolution itself.
Meanwhile, some Republicans, including Susan Collins and Todd Young, reportedly expressed concerns about bypassing congressional approval. Collins stated that the 60-day deadline was “not a suggestion” but a legal requirement.
Pete Hegseth also defended the administration’s interpretation, arguing that the ceasefire effectively paused or stopped the legal countdown, even as the U.S. Navy continues enforcing measures against Iranian oil exports.