Trump Informs US Congress That Iran Hostilities Have Terminated After Ceasefire
Trump tells Congress Iran hostilities have officially terminated
U.S. President Donald Trump has informed Congress that hostilities involving Iran have “terminated,” formally asserting that active military engagement has ended as he moves to sidestep legal requirements under U.S. war powers law.
In a letter sent to congressional leaders, Trump stated that the military conflict that began on February 28 had effectively concluded, citing a ceasefire in place since April 7 and the absence of direct exchanges of fire between U.S. and Iranian forces since then. He argued that this development brings the situation outside the scope of the 60-day authorization limit under the War Powers Resolution.
The announcement comes as the administration faces pressure over whether continued U.S. military activity in the region requires congressional approval. The law requires presidents to withdraw forces or obtain authorization if hostilities extend beyond 60 days, a threshold now reached in this case.
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According to reports, Trump maintained that the ceasefire has been extended and that current conditions no longer constitute active hostilities. However, his letter did not indicate a full withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region, leaving American military assets in place despite the declaration.
The move has triggered debate in Washington, with critics arguing that the situation on the ground does not match the administration’s legal framing. Some lawmakers point to ongoing military presence and continued regional tensions as evidence that hostilities may not have truly ended.At the same time, the administration has defended its position, arguing that any future military action would be treated as a separate engagement rather than a continuation of the current operation.
The declaration also comes amid broader political and constitutional tensions over presidential war powers, with Congress divided over how far executive authority can extend without legislative approval.While Trump has described the situation as stabilized, the long-term status of U.S.-Iran relations and military posture in the region remains uncertain, with both diplomatic and security dynamics still evolving.
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