The White House has informed Congress that hostilities between the United States and Iran have ceased, even though US military forces remain active in the region. President Donald Trump’s assertion aims to bypass a crucial legal deadline set for May 1, which would require Congress to authorise any ongoing military action against Iran. This deadline was set to lapse without Congressional action, as Republican lawmakers have largely left the decision-making to the President.
In his letter to Congress, Trump claimed, “The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated,” despite acknowledging that threats from Iran persist. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 mandates that Congress must declare war or authorise military force within 60 days, marking this Friday as a pivotal deadline, with a potential 90-day extension if requested by the President.
However, Congress did not take measures to fulfil this requirement, allowing for a week-long recess after a failed Democratic bid to curtail the war. Some Republican senators are beginning to express concerns over the war’s duration, which Trump initially characterised as a short engagement.
Trump’s letter indicates a continued avoidance of seeking Congressional approval for military actions. His administration contends that the war effectively ended with a shaky ceasefire in early April, claiming that the legal deadlines outlined in the War Powers Resolution no longer apply.
Many Republicans remain supportive of Trump’s actions, particularly given the current fragile ceasefire, although there are voices within the party advocating for a more decisive role for Congress. Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted that he did not foresee a vote to authorise force in Iran. Simultaneously, some GOP senators have indicated a desire for Congress to exert its authority over military matters at some point, with figures like Senator Susan Collins seeking clarity and a defined strategy to end the conflict.
There are nuances within the Republican party regarding military engagement, with various senators making clear they would support a war authorisation if requested by Trump. Nonetheless, many express concerns about bypassing established legal frameworks. The administration, however, insists that previously established norms regarding oversight do not apply in this context, with Trump asserting that previous administrations acted similarly without Congressional approval.
While Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth maintain that the situation in Iran constitutes a ceasefire, critics argue that ongoing military operations, including blockades against Iranian forces, contradict the assertion of peace. Democrats in Congress pushed back against the President’s claims and are sceptical of his adherence to the War Powers Act, highlighting the complexities and emerging tensions regarding presidential war powers and Congressional authority.