President Trump is asserting that the conflict with Iran has effectively come to an end, at least in legal terms. In a letter sent to Congress and obtained by Politico, he wrote that “hostilities have terminated,” arguing that an ongoing ceasefire with Tehran halts the 60-day timeline set by the War Powers Resolution. Without that pause, the law would require him to seek approval from Congress or begin scaling back military operations. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had already hinted at this approach in remarks to lawmakers earlier in the week.
In the letter, Trump stated that there has been no exchange of fire between the United States and Iran since April 7, 2026, and that the conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, is now over. Despite that claim, the United States continues to enforce a naval blockade on Iranian ports and maintains roughly 50,000 troops in the region. Critics argue those actions contradict the administration’s position that hostilities have ended.
The issue is also beginning to divide Republicans. Senator Susan Collins broke ranks on Thursday, joining Democrats in voting against continuing the conflict. She emphasized that the 60-day deadline outlined in the War Powers Resolution is mandatory, not optional.
Meanwhile, Trump indicated he is not ready to accept Iran’s latest attempt at a peace deal. Speaking to reporters Friday, he said the proposal was not satisfactory. Iranian state media reported that Tehran had sent a new offer through Pakistani intermediaries, though specific details have not been made public. Trump noted that negotiations are ongoing but described Iran’s negotiating teams as disorganized.