U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that hostilities with Iran have “terminated,” according to nearly identical letters sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley. “There has been no exchange of fire between the United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026,” the president wrote, though “The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026 have terminated.”

War Powers Resolution at Center of Constitutional Debate

The 1973 War Powers Resolution. Designed to limit presidential power to wage war without congressional approval, has become a focal point in the ongoing conflict with Iran. The law allows the president to initiate military action but requires a 60-day timeline to obtain congressional authorization; the 60-day period, triggered by Trump’s March 2 report to Congress, expired on May 1. If Trump chooses to continue the war, it will likely require a two-thirds congressional majority to halt it, according to CBS News.

The conflict began on February 28. When U.S. forces. In coordination with Israel, launched large-scale strikes on Iranian targets, while In response, Iran has retaliated, causing disruptions in global energy markets, though Congress, controlled by Republicans, has shown reluctance to assert its constitutional authority to declare war.

Trump Warns Iran, Cites Image

On his Truth Social platform, Trump warned Iran to “get smart” and criticized its failure to “sign a nonnuclear deal.” He included an image of himself carrying an assault rifle, with bombs exploding in the background. A banner on the image read: “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!” According to Al Jazeera, the president said he was not in a rush to finalize a deal and emphasized that “Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon.”

Tehran has proposed a ceasefire prioritizing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but U.S. officials reportedly responded with skepticism. Rob Geist Pinfold, an international security lecturer at King’s College London, said both sides are engaged in “intense competition” to signal resilience. “They are trying to show that time is on their side,” he added.

Defense Secretary Says Ceasefire Pauses 60-Day Clock

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 30 that the current ceasefire with Iran effectively pauses the 60-day clock established by the War Powers Resolution. Hegseth said, “We are currently in a ceasefire, and my understanding is that in a ceasefire the 60-day clock is paused or stops.” He added that the department would follow the White House’s judgment on the matter.

Trump launched the “Great Fury” military operation on February 28 without prior congressional approval. According to the War Powers Resolution, hostilities must end within 60 days unless Congress approves an extension. However, if Trump decides to continue the conflict, it will be difficult to stop it, as no current proposal in Congress has the required two-thirds majority to halt it.