Trump declares hostilities with Iran "terminated"
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President Trump boards Air Force One on April 24 at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington. Photo: Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images
President Trump has notified Congress that the hostilities the United States initiated against Iran on Feb. 28 have been "terminated," though he did not rule out future military action.
Why it matters: Under the War Powers Act, the president must seek congressional approval for military hostilities that last longer than 60 days.
- By declaring the hostilities over, Trump is effectively resetting the clock—potentially making it more difficult for Congress to challenge his authority or constrain further action through a war powers resolution.
- "On April 7, 2026, I ordered a two-week ceasefire. The ceasefire has since been extended. There has been no exchange of fire between United States forces and Iran since April 7, 2026," Trump wrote to Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday.
- "The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated."
Zoom out: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previewed a version of the administration's argument before the Senate Armed Services Committee, suggesting the 60-day clock can "pause or stop" during a ceasefire.
- Democrats rejected that view, arguing the ongoing naval blockade still constitutes hostilities. Republicans, however, appeared more open to the administration's interpretation.
- "It sounds like there's some wiggle room he provided there for himself," Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) told reporters Thursday. "We'll take a look at whatever they send over."
Zoom in: The Senate on Thursday blocked a war powers resolution aimed at forcing Trump to end — or seek authorization for — military action against Iran.
- The measure failed, 47–50, with two Republicans — Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Rand Paul (R-Ky) — voting with Democrats.
The bottom line: Trump has made clear that he remains open to future military actions, but that he would consider those separate engagements for the purposes of the War Powers Act.
- "The Department of War continues to update its force posture in the AOR (area of responsibility in select countries, as necessary and appropriate, to address Iranian and Iranian proxy forces' threats and to protect the United States and its allies and partners."
- "These changes are more fully outlined in the classified attachment to this letter," he wrote.
