US President Donald Trump has informed Congress that hostilities with Iran have “terminated” during an ongoing ceasefire, stating that he is not required to meet the legal deadline for legislative approval of the military action.
Under US law, a president must secure congressional approval within 60 days of notifying lawmakers of armed conflict or end military engagement. In a letter to congressional leaders, Trump maintained that the ceasefire agreed with Iran last month paused that requirement.
On the 60th day since notifying Congress of strikes, 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”.
The US and Iran have yet to reach a long-term agreement. Iranian state media reported that Tehran sent a proposal for negotiations through Pakistan on Friday, though details were not disclosed and it remains unclear whether the proposal reached US officials.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said: “We just had a conversation with Iran. Let’s see what happens. But, I would say that I am not happy”.
He added that talks had faced difficulty, stating Iranian leadership was “very confused” following the killing of several senior military officials during the conflict.
Trump disclosed that US Central Command had presented him with options, ranging from “blast the hell out of them and finish them forever” to “make a deal”.
Later, he stated: “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”.
Meanwhile, the US Treasury issued a notice warning that any individual or company paying Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz could risk violating US sanctions. The route remains disrupted, affecting global trade flows.
In Congress, lawmakers continue to debate whether to hold a vote on authorising the conflict. The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires the president to end military action within 60 days unless Congress approves or grants a limited extension.
The law was enacted to restrict presidential war powers during the Vietnam War era.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth argued in a congressional hearing that the ceasefire paused the timeline for approval. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine responded: “I do not believe the statute would support that”.
Efforts by Democratic lawmakers to limit Trump’s authority on Iran have not passed, though some Republican members have indicated they may reconsider their stance after the 60-day period.
When asked about seeking congressional approval, Trump stated: “no other country has ever done it”.
“Most people consider it totally unconstitutional,” he said.
Legal experts have questioned the administration’s interpretation. Professor Heather Brandon-Smith of Georgetown University stated that a ceasefire does not end the legal timeline.
“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 sort of close up the 60 days”.
She added that courts or Congress would be required to halt the conflict if it continues.
The conflict began when the US and Israel carried out illegal strikes on Iran, resulting in the killing of 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, alleging efforts to develop a nuclear weapon, which Tehran has denied.
