TRUMP TELLS CONGRESS CEASEFIRE MEANS HE DOES NOT NEED APPROVAL FOR IRAN WAR

US President Donald Trump argues War Powers clock paused as hostilities halt; Democrats question legal claim. By law, a US president must receive Congress’ approval within 60 days of notifying lawmakers of military action, or else cease hostilities. The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires a president to end the use of armed forces unless Congress makes a formal declaration of war or grants an extension of up to 30 days for troop removal.

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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has told Congress that US hostilities with Iran have “terminated” under an ongoing ceasefire, arguing he does not need legislative approval to continue military operations despite reaching the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution.

In a letter to congressional leaders on Friday, Trump wrote: “There has been no exchange of fire between the United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026. The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026 have terminated.”

By law, a US president must receive Congress’ approval within 60 days of notifying lawmakers of military action, or else cease hostilities. The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires a president to end the use of armed forces unless Congress makes a formal declaration of war or grants an extension of up to 30 days for troop removal.

Trump’s administration contends the ceasefire agreed with Iran last month has paused the clock on that obligation. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told a congressional hearing on Thursday that the deadline to seek legislators’ approval had paused.

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine disputed that interpretation. “I do not believe the statute would support that,” he said.

Professor Heather Brandon-Smith, from Georgetown University Law, said a ceasefire would not stop the 60-day limit. “A ceasefire is not a permanent end to the conflict,” she said. “To my mind, a permanent end to the conflict is what would actually close up the 60 days.”

The US and Iran have not reached a longer-term peace deal. Iranian state news agency IRNA reported a new proposal from Tehran was sent via Pakistan intermediaries on Friday. Details were not published, and it is unclear if the proposal has reached the US.

Trump told reporters: “We just had a conversation with Iran. Let’s see what happens. But, I would say that I am not happy.” He said a deal has been hard to reach in part because Iranian leadership was “very confused” after several top military officials were killed in the war.

Trump said he was briefed by US Central Command on Thursday with options ranging from “blast the hell out of them and finish them forever” to “make a deal.” Later Friday, he added: “They’re not coming through with the kind of deal that we have to have. And we’re going to get this thing done properly. We’re not going to leave early and then have the problem arise in three more years.”

Asked on Friday about seeking authorisation from Congress, Trump said, “no other country has ever done it. Most people consider it totally unconstitutional.”

Democratic-led attempts in both chambers to constrain Trump on Iran have repeatedly failed. Most Republicans have opposed those efforts, though some have indicated they might reconsider after the 60-day mark.

The conflict began when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing the country’s supreme leader. Iran responded with attacks on Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf. The US and Israel have opposed Iran’s nuclear programme, claiming Tehran seeks a nuclear bomb. Iran denies the charge.

Meanwhile, the US Treasury issued a notice warning that any individual or company that pays Iran a “toll” for passage through the Strait of Hormuz was at risk of violating US sanctions. The key shipping channel remains effectively closed.

The War Powers Resolution was passed in 1973 to limit President Richard Nixon’s ability to continue waging war in Vietnam.