Trump claims hostilities have ended in Iran in letter to congressional leaders
President Donald Trump declared in a letter to congressional leaders that hostilities with Iran have terminated, asserting that the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Act to seek congressional approval for military action no longer applies. The declaration follows a ceasefire initiated on April 7, 2026, after joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran beginning February 28, 2026, with no subsequent exchange of fire. Democrats and legal experts have challenged the legality of the military action, arguing it violates constitutional separation of powers and the War Powers Act.
- ▪President Trump stated in a May 1 letter that hostilities with Iran have terminated due to a ceasefire initiated on April 7, 2026.
- ▪Under the War Powers Act of 1973, the president must seek congressional approval within 60 days of initiating military action, a deadline that fell on May 1, 2026.
- ▪Senate Democrats, including Chuck Schumer and Adam Schiff, have denounced the military action as illegal and unconstitutional, while Senate Republicans blocked a war powers resolution to end the conflict.
- ▪Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argued that the 60-day War Powers clock pauses during a ceasefire, a claim disputed by Senator Tim Kaine.
- ▪Despite declaring hostilities over, Trump acknowledged that Operation Epic Fury remains ongoing due to continued threats from Iran.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
A woman walks among buildings destroyed in a joint attack by Israel and the United States on 6 April 2026 in Tehran, Iran. Photograph: Majid Saeedi/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenA woman walks among buildings destroyed in a joint attack by Israel and the United States on 6 April 2026 in Tehran, Iran. Photograph: Majid Saeedi/Getty ImagesUS-Israel war on IranTrump claims hostilities have ended in Iran in letter to congressional leadersPresident seemed to suggest that legislative deadline to approve war no longer applies as Democrats push back US politics live – latest updates Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Lauren GambinoFri 1 May 2026 17.18 EDTLast modified on Fri 1 May 2026 17.20 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleDonald Trump said in a letter sent to…
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