President Donald Trump (R-WY) sent a letter to leaders of the U.S. Congress on Friday, May 1, 2026, stating that hostilities with Iran have ended [1].
The notification serves as a critical legal maneuver to avoid a mandatory congressional vote on the continuation of the conflict. Under existing law, the administration faces a 60-day legal deadline [2] that would require formal congressional authorization to maintain military hostilities.
In the communication sent to Washington, D.C., the White House notified Congress that it considers the conflict concluded [1]. According to reports from AP, the administration said that hostilities with Iran "terminaron" [3]. Other reports via Politico noted the White House said the hostilities had "cesado" [1].
President Trump attributed the resolution of the conflict to a ceasefire. He said that hostilities have ended thanks to the ceasefire [4]. By sending the letter before the 60-day window expired, the administration pre-empts the need for the legislative branch to formally authorize further military action [2].
The move allows the White House to maintain control over the narrative of the conflict's conclusion without risking a public or political defeat in a congressional vote. The timing of the letter ensures the executive branch remains within the legal framework governing war powers, while signaling a shift in foreign policy toward Iran [1], [3].
This notification follows a period of heightened tension and military engagement. The formal declaration that hostilities have ended marks a pivot in the administration's approach to the region, transitioning from active combat to a post-hostility status [1].
“hostilities with Iran "terminaron"”
By declaring the end of hostilities just before the 60-day legal deadline, the Trump administration avoids a potentially contentious congressional debate over war powers. This strategic timing allows the White House to claim a diplomatic or military victory via a ceasefire without granting Congress the opportunity to legally restrict or mandate the terms of the U.S. military presence in the region.
