The United States has said a ceasefire with Iran effectively ends hostilities for the purposes of an impending congressional deadline under the War Powers Resolution.
A senior official in Donald Trump’s administration said the truce, which began in early April, means the conflict has “terminated” in legal terms.
Deadline Likely to Pass Without Action
Trump faced a deadline on Friday either to end the war formally, seek authorisation from Congress, or request an extension.
However, officials indicated the administration is likely to let the date pass without taking any of those steps, arguing the ceasefire removes the need for further action.
Dispute Over Legal Interpretation
The War Powers Resolution allows a president to conduct military operations for 60 days without congressional approval, with a possible 30-day extension.
Officials argue that the ceasefire effectively pauses or ends that clock.
Critics, particularly Democrats in Congress, reject that interpretation, saying the law contains no provision allowing a truce to reset or halt the timeline.
Conflict Timeline
The conflict began on February 28 with joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Trump formally notified Congress within 48 hours, triggering the 60-day deadline, which falls on May 1.
Since the ceasefire came into effect more than three weeks ago, there has been no direct exchange of fire between U.S. and Iranian forces, the official said.
Political Divide in Washington
While the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the authority to declare war, administrations have often argued that limited or short-term operations fall outside that requirement.
Democrats have sought to force a vote to end U.S. involvement or require authorisation, but those efforts have been blocked by Republicans, who hold a narrow majority.
Wider Regional Impact
The conflict has had far-reaching consequences, with Iranian retaliation targeting Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. bases.
Subsequent strikes across the region have resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement, underscoring the broader stakes even as the ceasefire holds.
(with inputs from Reuters)
