WASHINGTON: A ceasefire between the United States and Iran, initiated in early April, has officially “ended” hostilities between the two nations for the purposes of a looming congressional war authorization deadline, according to a senior official from President Donald Trump’s administration on Thursday.
Trump was faced with a deadline on Friday to either conclude the US-Iran conflict or justify extending military engagement to Congress, but most indications suggested the deadline would pass without any significant change in the conflict’s trajectory.
“For the purposes of the War Powers Resolution, the hostilities that commenced on Saturday, February 28, have now been considered terminated,” the official stated, explaining the administration’s perspective.
The official also noted that there has been no active fighting between US forces and Iran since the fragile ceasefire was established over three weeks ago.
Prior to this, analysts and congressional aides predicted that Trump might notify Congress of a 30-day extension or choose to ignore the deadline altogether, with the administration asserting that the ceasefire signaled the end of hostilities.
Under the 1973 War Powers Act, the president has 60 days to conduct military operations before needing congressional approval or requesting a 30-day extension based on “unavoidable military necessity” to safeguard troops.
The conflict with Iran was sparked by airstrikes carried out by Israel and the US on February 28. Trump officially informed Congress of the hostilities two days later, activating a 60-day window that concludes on May 1.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate during a hearing on Thursday that he believed the 60-day clock was paused during the ceasefire. However, Democratic opposition lawmakers challenged this, stating there is no legal basis for such a pause.
While the US Constitution grants Congress the exclusive authority to declare war, the executive branch considers certain short-term operations or actions against imminent threats as outside this requirement.
Trump’s Republican Party maintains a slim majority in both chambers of Congress. Since the conflict began, Democrats have attempted to pass resolutions demanding the withdrawal of US forces or congressional approval, but these efforts have been blocked by Republicans.
In retaliation to the February 28 US and Israeli strikes, Iran launched its own missile attacks targeting Israel and Gulf states hosting American military bases. The ongoing conflict has led to thousands of casualties and the displacement of millions, with US and Israeli actions contributing to regional instability.
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