President Trump has informed Congress that the U.S. hostilities against Iran, initiated on February 28, 2026, have concluded, while leaving the door open for potential future military actions.
Washington, D.C. — In a significant development regarding U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump has officially notified Congress that hostilities initiated against Iran on February 28, 2026, have been “terminated.” This declaration was made in a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday, although Trump did not exclude the possibility of future military actions against Iran. The announcement holds implications under the War Powers Act, which requires the president to seek congressional approval for military engagements exceeding 60 days.
By declaring the hostilities over, Trump is effectively resetting the timeline under the War Powers Act, potentially complicating Congress’s ability to issue a war powers resolution to limit his authority. In his communication, Trump stated, “On April 7, 2026, I ordered a two-week ceasefire. The ceasefire 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.” This declaration illustrates the administration’s strategy to navigate the legal framework surrounding military action and congressional oversight.
Context of the Conflict
The U.S. has maintained a complicated relationship with Iran, characterized by a series of military and diplomatic confrontations over the decades. The most recent hostilities began in late February 2026, following a series of aggressive maneuvers by Iranian forces in the region. The Trump administration’s actions have drawn scrutiny from both sides of the political aisle, particularly regarding the legality and strategic rationale behind military interventions. The War Powers Act, enacted in 1973, was designed to check the president’s power by requiring congressional approval for extended military operations, thereby ensuring that both branches of government maintain a role in decisions of war and peace.
Reactions from Congress
In recent discussions, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided a preview of the administration’s perspective to the Senate Armed Services Committee. He suggested that the 60-day clock established by the War Powers Act could “pause or stop” during a ceasefire, a view that has been met with skepticism from Democratic lawmakers. They argue that ongoing military actions, such as the naval blockade currently in place, should still be considered hostilities under the Act.
Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) acknowledged the complexities of the situation, stating, “It sounds like there’s some wiggle room he provided there for himself. We’ll take a look at whatever they send over.” This indicates a potential division among lawmakers regarding the interpretation of the War Powers Act and the administration’s authority to conduct military operations without explicit congressional approval.
Senate Vote on War Powers Resolution
On the same day Trump announced the termination of hostilities, the Senate voted on a war powers resolution aimed at compelling the president to end, or seek authorization for, military actions against Iran. The resolution ultimately failed with a vote of 47-50. Two Republican senators, Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.), joined Democrats in supporting the measure, reflecting a bipartisan concern over presidential military authority.
The failure of the resolution indicates that while some lawmakers are urging for greater oversight and accountability, others are more supportive of the administration’s current approach. This division underscores the ongoing debate about the balance of power between Congress and the presidency regarding military engagements.
Future Military Actions
Despite declaring the current hostilities over, President Trump has made it clear that he remains open to future military actions against Iran. He stated, “The Department of War continues to update its force posture in the AOR [area of responsibility] in select countries, as necessary and appropriate, to address Iranian and Iranian proxy forces’ threats and to protect the United States and its allies and partners.” This statement suggests that while the immediate conflict may have de-escalated, the administration is prepared to respond to perceived threats in the region.
Moreover, Trump referenced a classified attachment to his letter, suggesting that further details regarding military strategies and deployments are being withheld from public scrutiny. This raises questions about transparency and the extent to which Congress and the public can be informed about U.S. military operations abroad.
As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of Trump’s announcement and the responses from Congress will likely shape U.S. military policy in the Middle East and influence the broader debate on the executive branch’s war powers.
