Trump tells Congress fighting between US and Iran ‘terminated’ ahead of War Powers deadline

Trump also raised objections to the War Powers Resolution itself, stating, “Every other president considered it totally unconstitutional, and we agree with that.”

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

President Donald Trump on Friday declared that fighting between the United States and Iran has been “terminated,” informing Congress ahead of a key deadline under the War Powers Resolution.

In a letter to congressional leaders, Trump wrote, “The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated,” following nearly two months of military activity. The notification comes as the statutory timeline under the 1973 War Powers Resolution reached its limit on May 1.

Under the law, a U.S. president may conduct military operations for 60 days without congressional authorization, after which the administration must end hostilities, seek approval from lawmakers, or request a 30-day extension citing “unavoidable military necessity regarding the safety of United States Armed Forces” during a withdrawal period.

The administration formally notified Congress within 48 hours of the initial airstrikes, triggering the countdown.

Despite declaring an end to hostilities, Trump indicated that the situation remains subject to change.

“Despite the success of United States operations against the Iranian regime and continued efforts to secure a lasting peace, the threat posed by Iran to the United States and our Armed Forces remains significant,” he said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a congressional hearing that the existence of a ceasefire affects the legal interpretation of the timeline.

“We are in a ceasefire right now, which our understanding means, the 60-day clock pauses or stops,” he said.

Trump also raised objections to the War Powers Resolution itself, stating, “Every other president considered it totally unconstitutional, and we agree with that.”

Congressional Democrats challenged the administration’s position, arguing that the presence of a U.S. naval blockade does not constitute a ceasefire.

Republican lawmakers have largely supported the administration, voting almost unanimously against measures aimed at ending the conflict.

If fighting resumes, the administration could begin a new 60-day period under the law, consistent with actions taken by previous presidents during intermittent hostilities since the measure was enacted following the Vietnam War.