![\"US-Iran](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130689136,imgsize-821207,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/untitled-design-2026-05-02t010516.jpg\" "\\"<p>File")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nUS President Donald Trump has told Congress that hostilities with Iran have \u201cterminated\u201d, even as American forces remain deployed in the region and tensions persist.The assertion came in a letter sent on Friday ahead of a May 1 deadline under the War Powers Resolution of 1973 requiring congressional approval for continued military action.\u201cThe hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated,\u201d Trump wrote to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley.However, he also warned that \u201cthe threat posed by Iran\u2026 remains significant,\u201d signalling the conflict may not be fully over.The move effectively sidesteps the legal requirement for authorisation, with the administration arguing that the 60-day clock does not apply due to a ceasefire that began in early April.War secretary Pete Hegseth said the US is \u201cin a ceasefire right now,\u201d which means \u201cthe 60-day clock pauses or stops,\u201d reported news agency AP.<\/p>\n While most Republicans have avoided challenging Trump, some have expressed unease. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he does not currently see a vote on authorising force, while others signalled Congress should eventually weigh in.Senator Susan Collins said the deadline \u201cis not a suggestion, it is a requirement,\u201d and called for a clear strategy to end the conflict. Indiana Senator Todd Young added lawmakers \u201cmust ensure that the people\u2026 weigh in\u201d if hostilities resume.Democrats strongly rejected the administration\u2019s interpretation. Senator Richard Blumenthal said, \u201cThere\u2019s no pause button in the Constitution\u2026 The blockade alone is a continuing act of war.\u201dThe debate refers to broader concerns over presidential war powers, with Trump\u2019s campaign in Iran launched two months ago without congressional approval. Critics argue the continued naval blockade and Iran\u2019s control over the Strait of Hormuz indicate active hostilities.House Armed Services Committee Democrat Adam Smith said he did not expect the administration to follow the law, underlining growing partisan tensions.<\/div>\nGOP divided, Democrats push back<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n