Trump claims Iran ceasefire ends hostilities as war powers deadline passes

WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump’s administration has said that a ceasefire with Iran has effectively ended hostilities as a key legal deadline under US law for congressional notification expired. Under the War Powers Resolution, the president can authorise military operations for up to 60 days without approval from Congress. After that period, the administration must either seek authorisation, withdraw forces, or request a limited extension. The conflict began on February 28 with airstrikes carried out by the United States in coordination with Israel. President Trump formally notified Congress within 48 hours, triggering the 60-day timeline, which concluded on May 1. As the deadline passed, a senior administration official said the requirement no longer applied, arguing that the ceasefire meant hostilities had ended. The official maintained that the administration was therefore not obligated to seek further approval from lawmakers. Democratic legislators rejected this interpretation, stating that the law does not consider a ceasefire as a substitute for congressional authorisation. They also pointed to the continued presence of US naval forces enforcing restrictions on Iranian oil exports as evidence that the conflict has not fully ended. Senator Jeanne Shaheen criticised the administration, saying the president lacks a clear strategy after two months of fighting and termed the deadline a “clear legal threshold” requiring action. The Republican lawmakers, who hold narrow majorities in Congress, have largely backed Trump and blocked attempts to pass measures compelling the administration to end the conflict or seek approval. The war has caused major casualties, widespread damage and disruptions in global markets, particularly affecting energy supplies and increasing consumer prices. The public opinion polls show declining support for the conflict ahead of the November elections that would determine control of Congress. The US Constitution grants Co