Trump tells Congress Iran hostilities have “terminated” in war powers letter

US President Donald Trump has informed Congress that hostilities with Iran have been “terminated,” according to a formal letter sent to congressional leaders, as reported by international media.

In the letter addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley, Trump stated that the armed conflict which began on February 28 has now ended. He noted that a ceasefire ordered on April 7 has held since then, with no exchange of fire between US and Iranian forces.

“The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated,” Trump wrote, while also acknowledging that the broader dispute may not be fully resolved.

The announcement comes as the administration seeks to comply with the US War Powers Resolution of 1973, which requires presidents to obtain congressional authorization for prolonged military engagements beyond 60 days. By declaring the conflict terminated, the administration effectively avoids the legal requirement to seek approval for continuing military operations.

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However, the situation on the ground remains complex. Reports indicate that US forces are still deployed in the region and a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime activity continues. Critics argue that these ongoing military measures contradict the claim that hostilities have fully ended.

Legal experts and lawmakers remain divided over the interpretation of the ceasefire and whether it legally ends “hostilities” under the War Powers Act. Some members of Congress have pushed back, arguing that military presence and enforcement actions still amount to active conflict.

Iran has also strongly opposed US actions in the region, while tensions between the two countries remain high despite the declared ceasefire.

The development highlights ongoing debates in Washington over presidential war powers and congressional authority in authorizing military action.