Trump Claims Iran War Has Ended While Keeping Naval Blockade in Place

President Donald Trump announced to Congress that hostilities in the war with Iran have ended, claiming a ceasefire has held since April 7, 2026, and that no further fighting has occurred. In letters to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley, Trump declared, "The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated."

But this declaration rings hollow as the U.S. Navy continues to maintain a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint. Trump himself confirmed the blockade remains active, telling reporters, "The strait is totally shut down. It’s flawless. It’s totally 100% shut down now." Under international law, a naval blockade constitutes an act of war, meaning hostilities persist despite the president's claims.

The timing and tone of Trump's letters suggest a political maneuver to comply with the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which requires hostilities to cease within 60 days if Congress has not authorized the use of force. Several Republicans have warned about this deadline, even as they voted against Democratic efforts to end the conflict. Sen. Susan Collins broke ranks Thursday by voting for an antiwar resolution.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called Trump's letter "bullshit," condemning the war as illegal and accusing Republicans of complicity in prolonging the conflict. Schumer emphasized the human and economic costs Americans continue to bear as the war drags on.

Trump's messaging targets his Republican base, dismissing calls for congressional consultation as unpatriotic and praising the blockade as a "big victory." Yet this posture exposes the administration's pattern of escalating foreign conflicts to distract from domestic scandals and consolidate power, while ignoring constitutional limits and international norms.

The administration’s attempt to declare an end to hostilities while maintaining an active blockade is a cynical dodge that keeps the war alive in all but name. It underscores the urgent need for Congress to assert its constitutional authority and demand transparency and accountability from an administration that repeatedly flouts the law.