US official: Iran war truce 'terminated' hostilities for war powers deadline

The Trump administration has declared the recent hostilities with Iran "terminated" for the purposes of the War Powers Resolution, a move that allows President Trump to bypass the need for congressional approval to continue military operations. A senior official explained that the fragile ceasefire, in place for over three weeks, effectively ends the conflict for the purposes of the approaching May 1 deadline. This declaration sidesteps the requirement for the president to notify Congress of an extension, a process that could have led to political challenges from opposition Democrats. The administration's interpretation of the 1973 law suggests that the 60-day clock, which began with airstrikes on February 28, stopped during the truce. This legal maneuver allows Trump to maintain military engagement without immediate congressional oversight, a strategy that has been met with skepticism by Democrats who argue there is no legal basis for halting the clock. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between the executive branch's war-making powers and Congress's constitutional role in declaring war.

“

For War Powers Resolution purposes, the hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28, have terminated.