Trump Claims US-Iran War Is Over — But The Blockade And Threats Tell A Different Story

President Donald Trump announced to Congress that the US-Iran war is “terminated,” pointing to a ceasefire that has held since early April 2026. In a letter Friday, Trump claimed there has been no exchange of fire since April 7 and declared the hostilities that began on February 28 “terminated.” But don’t buy it.

Despite Trump’s claims, the US military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains firmly in place. Just last month, US forces fired on an Iranian-flagged ship attempting to breach the blockade, “blowing a hole in the engineroom,” according to the president himself. US troops continue to operate near Iran, and the administration has not ruled out resuming full-scale conflict.

This isn’t about peace — it’s about evading legal accountability. The War Powers Resolution requires the president to end military engagements within 60 days unless Congress explicitly authorizes continued action. Trump’s letter is a transparent attempt to claim the war is over and thus sidestep this deadline. He hasn’t sought the 30-day extension allowed under the law either.

Trump is not the first president to play this game. As noted by former assistant secretary of state Stephen Rademaker, presidents from both parties have historically found ways to circumvent the War Powers Resolution when convenient. But that doesn’t make it any less dangerous.

The US-Iran standoff remains a powder keg, with the blockade and military presence ensuring tensions stay high. Trump’s declaration is less about ending conflict and more about dodging oversight while keeping the threat of war as a political tool.

We’ll keep watching as this administration continues to weaponize foreign conflict to distract from domestic scandals and consolidate power. The war may not be over — but Trump wants you to think it is. Don’t fall for it.