President Donald Trump informed congressional leaders on Friday that hostilities with Iran have “terminated,” suggesting that the 60-day legal deadline to seek congressional approval for military operations under the War Powers Act no longer applies.
- Trump claims a ceasefire initiated on April 7, 2026, ends the 60-day clock mandated by the War Powers Act.
- Democratic lawmakers and the ACLU argue the military campaign is illegal and the deadline cannot be “paused.”
- Despite declaring hostilities terminated, the administration maintains that the threat from Iran remains significant and operations are ongoing.
The War Powers Act Deadline
Friday marked 60 days since the U.S. president notified Congress that the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. Under the War Powers Act of 1973, a president may deploy troops to respond to an “imminent threat” but must obtain congressional approval within 60 days to continue military operations.
In a letter dated May 1 addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator Chuck Grassley, Trump stated he initiated “Operation Epic Fury” to protect U.S. interests and national security.
Trump asserted that a two-week ceasefire ordered on April 7, 2026, has since been extended, and that no exchange of fire has occurred between U.S. forces and Iran since that date.
Constitutional Dispute
As he left the White House on Friday, Trump told reporters he had no intention of seeking congressional approval, claiming the War Powers Act is “totally unconstitutional.” He argued that such approval has never been sought in previous instances.
This interpretation is fiercely contested by legal scholars and Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the claim as “bullshit,” calling the conflict an “illegal war” that puts lives at risk and increases costs for Americans.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, argued the declaration ignores the reality of tens of thousands of U.S. service members remaining in harm’s way and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Legal and Legislative Challenges
The ACLU sent a letter to the White House expressing “profound concern” over the legality of the war. The organization stated that the War Powers Resolution contains no “pause button” or “reset button” regarding the 60-day statute. The ACLU letter emphasizes that the legal requirements remain in effect.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth supported the president’s position during Thursday’s testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, claiming the 60-day clock “pauses or stops in a ceasefire.” Senator Tim Kaine disputed this, stating the statute does not support such a claim.
On Thursday, Senate Republicans blocked a war powers resolution introduced by Senator Adam Schiff. Schiff stated that even if the initial response was to an imminent threat, the president has no authority to continue the war past 60 days. The resolution sought to formally end the conflict.
Current Operational Status
While claiming hostilities have terminated, Trump’s letter indicates that military operations are still active. He stated that the threat posed by Iran and its proxy forces remains “significant.”
The president noted that the Pentagon will continue to update its force posture across the region as necessary to address these threats.
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