Trump Claims Iran War ‘Terminated’ to Dodge Congressional Approval Deadline

The Trump administration is pulling a fast one on Capitol Hill, telling Congress the war with Iran has “terminated” just as the 60-day clock for congressional authorization runs out. In letters sent Friday to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley, President Trump claimed the ceasefire declared on April 7 means the fighting is over — even though U.S. forces continue to blockade Iranian ports and tensions remain high.

“On April 7, 2026, I ordered a 2-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. The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026 have terminated,” Trump wrote. He also insisted the threat from Iran remains “significant” and vowed to keep directing military operations “consistent with my constitutional authority.”

This comes on Day 62 of the conflict, which began when the U.S. and Israel struck Tehran on February 28, 2026. Under the War Powers Act, the president must seek congressional approval or formally declare war within 60 days of notifying Congress of military action. Trump’s letter attempts to circumvent this by arguing the ceasefire pauses the clock — a claim Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Democrats have been pushing for Republicans to join calls for limiting Trump’s military overreach, but GOP lawmakers have so far stayed quiet, wary of forcing a confrontation. Meanwhile, Trump has downplayed the conflict, refusing to call it a “war” and instead labeling it an “excursion” or “military operation” to avoid the legal and political consequences of war.

Hours before the letters were delivered, Trump told reporters congressional approval is “totally unconstitutional” and “never been sought before.” This blatant disregard for the constitutional role of Congress is part of a broader pattern of executive overreach and deception that defines the Trump administration’s approach to foreign conflicts.

The ceasefire may have stopped active combat, but the blockade and ongoing standoff in the Strait of Hormuz mean the U.S. remains locked in a dangerous military posture with Iran. Senators like Tim Kaine have already rejected the White House’s claim that hostilities have ended, warning that military operations are very much ongoing.

Trump’s attempt to rewrite the rules of war powers to avoid accountability is not just a legal dodge — it’s a dangerous precedent that undermines democratic checks on presidential power. We will keep tracking this story as the administration continues to push the limits of its authority while avoiding the scrutiny of Congress and the American public.