President Trump informed congressional leaders on Friday that hostilities with Iran have "terminated," marking a critical juncture under the 1973 War Powers Resolution. The law requires the president to end military action within 60 days unless Congress approves an extension.
In letters to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator Chuck Grassley, Trump stated there has been no exchange of fire since April 7, 2026, and that the conflict that began on February 28 is over. The administration argues that a ceasefire brokered in early April effectively paused the legal clock.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced this position Thursday, telling the Senate Armed Services Committee that the ceasefire stops the 60-day countdown. However, critics-including Democratic Senator Tim Kaine-dispute that interpretation, warning of serious constitutional concerns.
Despite the ceasefire, the U.S. maintains a naval blockade on Iranian ports and has over 50,000 service members in the Middle East. Hegseth has warned that the military remains ready to strike Iranian infrastructure "at the push of a button."
Trump dismissed the War Powers Resolution as unconstitutional, noting that previous presidents-including Obama and Clinton-have bypassed its limits. Congress has never successfully used the law to end a military campaign.