Trump Says Iran Ceasefire Ends Need for War Approval

US President Donald Trump has told members of Congress that hostilities between the United States and Iran have ended under an ongoing ceasefire, arguing that he therefore does not require congressional approval to continue military actions linked to the conflict.

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In letters sent to congressional leaders, Trump said there had been no direct exchanges of fire between US forces and Iran since 7 April 2026.

“The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026 have terminated,” he wrote.

The communication was delivered on the 60th day after the administration formally notified lawmakers about US military strikes against Iran — a deadline set under US law for securing congressional authorisation or ending the use of American forces.

Debate over the War Powers deadline

Under the War Powers Resolution, a president must halt the use of US armed forces within 60 days of notifying Congress of combat operations unless lawmakers approve the action or grant an extension of up to 30 additional days to allow for the withdrawal of troops.

Trump argued that his authority as president allowed him to direct US military activity without further authorisation.

“I have and will continue to direct United States Armed Forces consistent with my responsibilities and pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct United States foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive,” he wrote.

The law was enacted in 1973 following the Vietnam War, as Congress sought to limit the power of then-president Richard Nixon to continue the conflict without legislative approval.

Ceasefire and legal disagreement

At a congressional hearing on Thursday, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers that the ceasefire effectively paused the 60-day deadline set by the War Powers Resolution.

“We are in a ceasefire right now, which our understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire,” Hegseth said.

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine challenged that interpretation, saying he did not believe the statute supported such a pause.

Lawmakers have faced increasing pressure to decide whether Congress should hold votes in both chambers to formally authorise the conflict with Iran.

Previous efforts led by Democrats to limit Trump’s military authority in relation to Iran have failed in both houses of Congress, largely due to opposition from Republicans.

However, some Republican lawmakers have indicated they could reconsider their stance after the 60-day deadline.

Negotiations remain uncertain

Although active fighting has halted, the United States and Iran have not yet reached a broader agreement through negotiations.

Iranian media reported on Friday that Tehran had submitted a proposal for talks with Washington through intermediaries in Pakistan.

The Iranian state news agency Islamic Republic News Agency said the proposal had been delivered to Pakistani mediators, though it did not disclose details of the offer. It remains unclear whether the proposal has reached US officials.

Speaking to reporters later on Friday, Trump said his administration had recently held discussions with Iran but expressed frustration with the pace of diplomacy.

“We just had a conversation with Iran. Let’s see what happens,” he said. “But I would say that I am not happy.”

Trump added that negotiations had been complicated by confusion within Iran’s leadership following the deaths of several senior military figures during the conflict.

He said military planners from United States Central Command had presented him with a range of possible approaches on Thursday — from launching further strikes to pursuing a negotiated settlement.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 May 2026