A senior official from US President Donald Trump’s administration has said that the recent US-Iran truce has “terminated” active hostilities for the purpose of the approaching congressional war powers deadline. The statement comes as the White House faces questions over whether it must seek approval from Congress to continue military action against Iran.
The conflict began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran. Trump formally notified Congress 48 hours later, starting the 60-day clock under the War Powers Resolution. Under this 1973 law, a president can use military force for a limited period before ending the action, seeking congressional authorisation, or requesting a 30-day extension for unavoidable military necessity.
The deadline was expected to fall on May 1, 2026, but the administration argues that the ceasefire, which began in early April, ended active hostilities. A senior official said there had been no exchange of fire between US forces and Iran since the truce began. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also told a Senate hearing that he understood the war powers clock had stopped during the ceasefire.
Democrats strongly disagreed with that interpretation. They argued that the law does not clearly allow the administration to pause the deadline simply because a truce is in place. Critics say Congress has the constitutional authority to declare war and must have a role in deciding whether US forces remain involved in the conflict.
The issue has intensified political debate in Washington. Democrats have repeatedly tried to pass resolutions requiring Trump to withdraw US forces or seek formal approval from Congress, but Republicans have blocked those attempts.
Although the ceasefire has reduced direct fighting, tensions remain high in the region. The dispute now raises a larger question about presidential war powers, congressional oversight, and how far an administration can go without fresh approval from lawmakers.
