In a letter sent to congressional leaders on Friday, Trump stated that there had been no exchange of fire between US and Iranian forces since April 7, when a temporary ceasefire was first introduced.
According to the White House, the cessation of fighting effectively ends the conflict that began on February 28 under the administration’s military campaign against Iran.
The announcement comes as the White House faced mounting pressure over the 60-day deadline outlined in the War Powers Resolution of 1973, a law requiring presidents to either obtain congressional authorization for military action or withdraw US forces after 60 days of engagement.
Trump’s administration argues that because active combat has stopped, the legal clock tied to the War Powers Act no longer applies. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced that position during testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, claiming the ceasefire effectively paused the countdown for congressional approval.
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However, the move has triggered sharp criticism from Democrats, legal scholars, and civil liberties groups who accuse the administration of attempting to bypass constitutional checks on presidential war powers.
Critics argue that US military assets remain deployed in the region, including naval operations linked to a blockade near the Strait of Hormuz, meaning the conflict cannot reasonably be considered over.
Several lawmakers warned that the administration’s interpretation could set a dangerous precedent by allowing presidents to avoid congressional oversight simply by declaring hostilities paused or temporarily halted.
Senator Tim Kaine and other Democratic leaders argued that American troops remain at risk and that Congress retains constitutional authority over decisions of war and peace. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans recently blocked another Democratic-backed resolution seeking to limit Trump’s military authority regarding Iran.
Despite declaring the conflict “terminated,” Trump also acknowledged in his letter that Iran continues to pose what he described as a “significant threat” to the United States and its armed forces. He further indicated that future military action remains possible if tensions escalate again.
