President Trump declared the end of hostilities with Iran, stating that a ceasefire had officially halted the conflict. Trump’s letter to congressional leaders highlighted the absence of any recent military exchanges with Iran since the ceasefire began on February 28, 2026.
According to the 1973 War Powers Resolution, the President can engage in military action for up to 60 days without congressional approval, after which authorization or an extension must be sought. Despite Iran sending a negotiation proposal through Pakistani mediators, Trump promptly dismissed it.
The official notification to Congress was made 48 hours after the initial airstrikes, initiating the 60-day countdown set to conclude on May 1. Trump’s administration argued that the War Powers deadline did not apply, deeming the law unconstitutional and asserting that it infringes on the President’s constitutional authority as commander-in-chief.
As the deadline approached, Trump emphasized the need to complete the conflict properly, stressing the importance of not prematurely exiting the war to avoid future complications. In response, Democratic senators criticized Trump for lacking an exit strategy and failing to comply with the legal threshold set by the 1973 law.
Despite growing opposition to the war, Trump’s Republican allies have consistently supported his stance, blocking attempts to end the conflict. The prolonged Iran war has resulted in casualties, significant economic damage, and market instability, impacting global energy supplies and consumer prices.
Public sentiment against the war remains high, especially with crucial elections on the horizon. While the U.S. Constitution reserves the power to declare war for Congress, short-term military operations are exempt from this requirement in response to immediate threats.
Looking ahead, Trump received briefings on potential military actions to pressure Iran into negotiations for a permanent resolution. If hostilities resume, Trump can initiate a new 60-day period, a practice commonly observed by Presidents from both parties since the enactment of the War Powers law following the Vietnam War, which was also unauthorized by Congress.