President Donald Trump is declaring the Iran war over, telling Congress the conflict has “terminated” as his administration tries to shut down a growing fight on Capitol Hill over whether lawmakers must sign off on continued military action.
In a letter to lawmakers obtained by POLITICO, the White House argued that a ceasefire with Tehran effectively halts the 60-day clock under the War Powers Resolution, which typically forces presidents to seek congressional approval or wind down military operations.
“There has been no exchange of fire between the United States and Iran since April 7, 2026,” Trump wrote. “The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.”
The move comes as the conflict hits that 60-day legal mark, setting up a high-stakes showdown in Washington. While the administration insists the ceasefire changes the equation, critics say the clock has already run out, and the military campaign should be brought to a close.
Trump, speaking to reporters before departing the White House for Florida, said negotiations with Iran remain shaky despite what he described as a “final proposal” to the regime.
“They’ve made strides, but I’m not sure they’ll ever get there,” he said. “I would say I’m not happy. … They want to make a deal, but I’m not satisfied.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled the administration’s legal strategy a day earlier on Capitol Hill, telling senators the ceasefire “means the 60-day clock pauses, or stops.”
WATCH: Tensions Boil Over On CNN During Explosive Debate Over Iran
Under the 1973 law, U.S. forces are supposed to withdraw within 60 days unless Congress authorizes the mission, with a possible 30-day extension to wrap things up. The White House is now leaning on the ceasefire to argue that requirement no longer applies.
Sen. Susan Collins became the first Republican to break ranks as the deadline hit, warning the law is not optional.
“That deadline is not a suggestion; it is a requirement,” Collins said.
Her stance underscores early cracks in what had been near-unified GOP backing for the war, especially as the conflict drags into its second month with no clear off-ramp. Lawmakers in both parties are also pointing to ongoing U.S. actions, including a naval blockade of Iranian ports and roughly 50,000 American troops still stationed across the region.
Trump brushed off congressional critics, arguing they are overstepping.
WATCH: Tensions Boil Over On CNN During Explosive Debate Over Iran
“I don’t think it’s constitutional what they’re asking for,” he said. “These are not patriotic people.”
He also pointed to past presidents who exceeded the 60-day limit, adding, “Many presidents, as you know, have gone and exceeded it. Every other president considered it totally unconstitutional.”
Opponents counter that the administration is stretching the law beyond recognition, noting that even without active firefights, U.S. forces remain engaged and ready.
Pentagon officials have said American troops are still on standby and could resume strikes if negotiations collapse, leaving the situation volatile despite the ceasefire Trump says has brought the war to an end.
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