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A senior official from President Donald Trump’s administration announced on Thursday that the ongoing ceasefire between the US and Iran, which started in early April, is considered to have “ended” hostilities for the purpose of the upcoming congressional war powers deadline. Trump faced a legal deadline on Friday to either end the US’s involvement in Iran or seek congressional approval to extend military engagement, but indications suggested the deadline would pass without any significant changes to the current situation.
“The hostilities that commenced on Saturday, February 28, are deemed terminated for War Powers Resolution purposes,” the official stated, referencing the administration’s interpretation. Since the ceasefire took hold over three weeks ago, there have been no reported exchanges of fire between US forces and Iran.
Previously, analysts and congressional staff anticipated that Trump might inform Congress of either a 30-day extension or a deliberate disregard for the deadline, with the administration asserting that the ceasefire effectively ended the conflict.
The 1973 law governing military action permits the president to conduct hostilities for a maximum of 60 days before needing congressional approval or requesting a 30-day extension based on “unavoidable military necessity” for troop safety.
The conflict began with airstrikes initiated by Israel and the US on February 28, with Trump officially notifying Congress two days later. This initiated a 60-day countdown that would culminate on May 1.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a Senate hearing on Thursday that he believed the 60-day timeline had paused during the ceasefire. However, Democrats in Congress contested that interpretation, arguing no such legal provision exists.
While the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the authority to declare war, the law typically does not restrict the president’s ability to undertake limited, short-term military actions aimed at immediate threats. Since the conflict’s outset, the Republican-led Congress has consistently blocked Democratic efforts to pass resolutions demanding US withdrawal or requiring formal congressional authorization for ongoing military operations.
In response to the initial US and Israeli strikes, Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel and Gulf states hosting American military bases. These exchanges have led to thousands of deaths and forced millions to flee their homes.
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