The update came in a letter dated May 1, which is exactly 60 days after the White House first informed Congress about military strikes that were launched on February 28 in coordination with Israel, The Guardian reported. The law requires president to secure congressional approval if military action continues beyond that period.
In his letter, Trump said the operation, named ‘Operation Epic Fury’, was carried out “to protect Americans and United States interests at home and abroad, and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests.”
According to the letter, Trump ordered a pause in fighting on April 7 for two weeks, which has since been extended.
“There has been no exchange of fire between United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026. The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated,” he said.
The letter was sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley.
By declaring the hostilities over, the administration has sidestepped the legal requirement to seek further authorisation. Many Republican lawmakers have not pushed back on the president’s use of military force which made the congressional challenge unlikely.
Speaking to reporters the same day, Trump dismissed the need for approval from Congress. He argued that such permissions have not been historically pursued and questioned the validity of the law itself, calling it ‘totally unconstitutional.’
“Nobody’s ever asked for it before. It’s never been used before. Why should we be different?” he said.
The stance has triggered strong reactions from Democrats and legal groups, who say the move weakens congressional oversight. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer criticised the decision publicly.
“This is an illegal war and every day Republicans remain complicit and allow it to continue is another day lives are endangered, chaos erupts, and prices increase, all while Americans foot the bill,” he wrote on X.
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 sets limits on how a US president can use the military without direct approval from Congress. It requires the president to report regularly to Congress.
Under the law, military action is allowed without prior authorisation only in specific situations such when Congress has declared war or provided specific authority or in response to an attack on US territory or its military.
If Congress does not approve the use of force, operations must generally be brought to an end within 60 days, unless lawmakers choose to extend that period.
