President Donald Trump informed congressional leaders on Friday that hostilities with Iran have terminated [1].

This declaration removes the requirement for Congress to vote on the continuation of military action. By stating the conflict has ended, the administration effectively bypasses a statutory deadline that would have otherwise forced a legislative decision on the legality of ongoing operations.

In a War Powers letter sent May 1, 2026 [1], Trump said that the cease-fire has terminated, so the War Powers deadline does not apply [2]. The letter was addressed to congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. [1].

Under the War Powers Resolution, the president generally has a 60-day deadline [3] to obtain congressional approval for the continuation of U.S. military hostilities. Trump said the 60-day deadline for Congress to approve further action is no longer relevant because the conflict has ended [3].

While the president maintains that hostilities have terminated, some reports indicate that fighting continues despite the official declaration [2]. The administration's position remains that the termination of the cease-fire renders the previous legislative timeline moot [3].

Trump said hostilities with Iran have "terminated" [1]. This move prevents a formal vote in Congress regarding the authorization of further war action [4].

“"Hostilities with Iran have 'terminated'."”

The administration is utilizing a narrow interpretation of the War Powers Resolution to avoid a potential congressional vote that could restrict military flexibility. By declaring the conflict 'terminated,' the president eliminates the legal trigger for the 60-day approval window, effectively shifting the authority over the Iran conflict back to executive discretion without legislative oversight.