WASHINGTON, May 1, 2026 — The White House has declared the Iran war “terminated” as the War Powers Resolution’s 60‑day deadline arrived, citing a ceasefire with Tehran, though critics argue U.S. military actions continue and Congress has not authorized the conflict.

President Donald Trump told Congress that hostilities with Iran had ended, asserting that the ceasefire reached on April 7 meant the war powers clock had stopped. “The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated,” Trump wrote in a letter to congressional leaders, adding that there had been no exchange of fire since the ceasefire.

The Iran war began when U.S. and Israeli forces launched airstrikes on February 28, sparking two months of fighting that killed thousands, caused billions of dollars in damage, and disrupted global energy markets. Trump formally notified Congress of the conflict within 48 hours of the strikes, triggering the 60‑day War Powers Resolution deadline that expired May 1.

Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, presidents may conduct military action for 60 days without congressional approval, with a possible 30‑day extension to withdraw forces. The Trump administration argued that the ceasefire paused or ended the countdown. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators, “The ceasefire means the 60‑day clock pauses, or stops.”

Democrats rejected that interpretation, insisting the law does not allow a ceasefire to suspend the deadline. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire said, “After sixty days of conflict, President Trump still does not have a strategy or way out for this poorly planned war,” calling the deadline “a clear legal threshold” for action.

Republican support showed cracks as well. Senator Susan Collins of Maine broke ranks, saying, “That deadline is not a suggestion; it is a requirement.” Other Republicans, including Senators Todd Young and Josh Hawley, questioned the administration’s legal reasoning and urged a formal proposal to Congress.

Despite the ceasefire, U.S. forces remain active in the region. American ships continue to enforce a blockade of Iranian oil exports, and tens of thousands of troops are deployed across the Middle East. Pentagon officials confirmed forces are prepared to resume attacks if negotiations collapse.

Iranian state media reported that Tehran had sent a new peace proposal to Pakistani mediators, though Trump swiftly rejected it. Talks remain stalled over disputes including control of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

As the war powers deadline passed, the administration’s claim that the conflict is “terminated” has intensified debate in Washington over presidential authority, congressional oversight, and the future of U.S. involvement in the Middle East.