Trump Claims Iran Ceasefire Lets Him Dodge Congress on War Authorization

President Donald Trump is doubling down on his unilateral approach to the conflict with Iran, telling Congress that a ceasefire means the war has “terminated” and he does not need their authorization to continue military operations. This claim comes exactly 60 days after Trump formally notified Congress of strikes against Iran, triggering a legally mandated countdown under the War Powers Resolution.

The War Powers Resolution, passed in 1973 to prevent presidents from dragging the country into prolonged conflicts without congressional approval, requires the president to end hostilities within 60 days unless Congress declares war or grants an extension. Trump’s administration argues that the ceasefire halts hostilities and thus resets the clock, allowing continued military engagement without a congressional vote.

But legal experts and lawmakers are unconvinced. Georgetown law professor Heather Brandon-Smith told the BBC, “A ceasefire is not a permanent end to the conflict. To my mind, a permanent end to the conflict is what would actually sort of close up the 60 days.” Democratic Senator Tim Kaine challenged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s claim that the deadline clock had paused, saying, “I do not believe the statute would support that.”

Despite repeated Democratic attempts to force a congressional vote on war authorization, most Republicans have blocked such efforts, though some have hinted at reconsideration now that the 60-day mark has passed. Trump dismissed the need for congressional approval entirely, saying “no other country has ever done it” and calling the requirement “totally unconstitutional.”

Meanwhile, the ceasefire remains tenuous. Iranian state media reported a new US-Iran negotiation proposal sent through Pakistan, but no details or confirmation of US receipt have emerged. Trump acknowledged frustration with stalled talks, blaming confusion within Iran’s leadership after the killing of top military officials.

The conflict itself escalated after US and Israeli strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader, triggering retaliatory attacks on Israel and US allies in the Gulf. The US has maintained a hard line, warning companies against paying “tolls” for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping channel that remains effectively closed, disrupting global trade.

Trump’s attempt to bypass Congress on war powers sets a dangerous precedent, undermining constitutional checks designed to prevent unchecked military escalation. As the administration pushes forward without clear congressional backing, the risk of prolonged conflict and unchecked executive power looms large. The courts or Congress remain the only viable brakes on this presidential overreach — if they choose to act.