According to a report by BBC News, on Saturday May 2, 2026, President Donald Trump officially notified Congress on Friday that he considers U.S. hostilities with Iran to be terminated, a move that allows the administration to bypass a critical legal deadline for legislative approval of the conflict.
The declaration came on the 60th day since the President formally notified lawmakers of military action against Tehran.
Under the War Powers Act, a president must secure congressional authorization within a 60-day window or be forced to withdraw U.S. forces.
However, the President argued that a ceasefire established last month effectively paused the clock on those legal obligations.
In a letter sent to congressional leaders, President Trump pointed to the lack of active combat over the last several weeks as proof that the formal state of war has concluded, despite the absence of a permanent peace treaty.
“There has been no exchange of fire between the United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026,” the President wrote. “The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.”
The administration’s stance is that because the “hostilities” have ended via the ceasefire, the 60-day requirement for legislative approval is no longer applicable.
Critics in Congress, however, have expressed concerns that this interpretation creates a loophole, allowing the executive branch to maintain a military presence and a state of brinkmanship without a formal vote from the people’s representatives.
While the President maintains that the war is technically over, the situation remains a “cold” conflict. The U.S. and Iran have yet to reach a long-term diplomatic resolution, though there are signs of movement on the diplomatic front…..See More
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