Oleg Davygora22:12, 01.05.26

4 min.110

By law, the president is required to obtain permission if hostilities last more than 60 days.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump  told lawmakers that the war with Iran was “over.” According to Politico , this is an attempt to calm the debate over the need for Congressional approval of the conflict.

The White House made its position clear to the publication as the Middle East conflict reached a 60-day statutory deadline for operations to cease unless lawmakers authorize the use of military force. Trump argued that the ceasefire with Tehran effectively halts that process.

The letter is said to be aimed at averting an escalation of the fight on Capitol Hill, where the US leader faces the prospect of losing Republican support as the war drags on for a second month without a clear exit strategy. But the White House’s argument will not sit well with Democrats and some Republicans, who argue that the administration should wind down the campaign now that it has reached that milestone.

“There has been no exchange of fire between the United States and Iran since April 7, 2026. The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026 have ceased,” Trump wrote, noting that he had extended the ceasefire indefinitely.

The letter came amid stalled talks and an ongoing military blockade of Iranian ports. The president told reporters that he had presented Iran with a “final offer” but expressed pessimism about the possibility of reaching a deal with the country’s “divided” government. He said:

“They’ve made progress, but I’m not sure they’ll ever reach the goal. I would say I’m dissatisfied… they want to make a deal, but I’m not satisfied.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth laid out the legal arguments the administration will use to continue the Middle East campaign. He told a Senate hearing that the ceasefire “means that the 60-day countdown is paused.”

It notes that the War Powers Act of 1973 requires the withdrawal of U.S. troops from a conflict within 60 days of the president’s notification to Congress, unless lawmakers vote to authorize continued hostilities. The White House can request an extension of military operations for another 30 days to end the conflict.

Pentagon officials said that the US military remains on alert to resume attacks on Iran if peace talks fail.

Senator Tim Kaine called the idea that the White House could declare the war over without withdrawing troops from the region “absolutely wrong.” But he said Republicans should join with Democrats to hold the administration accountable for the violation.

“I hope they hear enough from their constituents about the unpopularity of this war and how it does not justify sending our sons and daughters to risk their lives, that they will start voting in accordance with their constitutional oath,” he said.

(c)UNIAN 2026