08.05.2026 18:05
The administration of US President Donald Trump has officially notified the US Congress that it considers the war with Iran to be "concluded," despite the presence of US armed forces in the region.
The debate over the legal framework within the US regarding the attacks on Iran, jointly launched by the US and Israel on February 28, and various military activities continues. As political and military tensions between the US and Iran persist, the White House sent a letter to the US Congress stating that hostilities with Iran have ended.
"HOSTILITIES HAVE ENDED"
In the letter sent to US House Speaker Mike Johnson and signed by US President Donald Trump, it stated, "Hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have ended," but also clearly indicated that the war might be far from over. The letter added, "Despite the success of US operations against the Iranian regime and ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, the threat posed by Iran to the US and our armed forces remains significant."
A MOVE TO NULLIFY CONSTITUTIONALITY DEBATES
The letter was seen by US media as an effort to nullify the constitutionality debates surrounding Trump's war against Iran initiated two months ago without congressional approval.
The White House's letter to Congress declaring the end of war and hostilities with Iran was sent at a time when US warships and thousands of US troops remain in the Middle East in uncertainty, awaiting orders for a potential new attack on Iran.
"NO ADDITIONAL CONGRESSIONAL AUTHORIZATION IS REQUIRED"
With this assessment, the Trump administration argued that the 60-day legal period under the 1973 War Powers Resolution is no longer applicable, claiming that the military tensions with Iran have legally ended with the ceasefire. Accordingly, it stated that no additional authorization or approval from Congress is required.
However, Democratic members of Congress in the opposition challenged this interpretation, stating that under the law, a ceasefire is not considered an "end to hostilities." They also pointed to the US Navy's blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that the continued US military presence in the region indicates that the conflict is still ongoing.
WHAT DOES THE US 1973 WAR POWERS RESOLUTION SAY?
According to the 1973 War Powers Resolution, Congress must declare war or authorize the use of force within 60 days after the start of hostilities. If the US President requests an extension, this time limit can be increased to 90 days. As the 60-day deadline is set to expire today, Congress has taken no action to enforce this requirement and adjourned for a one-week recess on Thursday after the Senate rejected Democrats' sixth attempt to stop the war.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration appears to have shown no interest in seeking congressional approval. It is believed that if hostilities resume, Trump could inform lawmakers that a new 60-day period has begun.
Since the 1973 War Powers Resolution, passed by Congress in response to the Vietnam War, both Republican and Democratic presidents have repeatedly used similar tactics during intermittent military conflicts.