Trump declares Iran war over to bypass Congress deadline
U.S. President Donald Trump notified Congress on May 1 that the conflict with Iran has concluded. The announcement arrived exactly as the 60-day legal window for military authorization under the War Powers Resolution expired.
By declaring the hostilities over, the administration aims to bypass the 1973 War Powers Act. This federal law requires the President to withdraw troops within 60 days unless Congress formally declares war or grants specific authorization.
The legal maneuver
The President’s letter, first reported by Politico, asserts that a two-week armistice ordered on April 7 has effectively ended the war. Trump noted that no combat engagement has occurred since that date, neutralizing the need for further legislative approval.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump argued that this cessation of fire "resets the clock." They maintain that the hostilities which began on February 28 are no longer an active engagement requiring Congressional intervention.
Constitutional friction
Critics, primarily Congressional Democrats, view the move as a tactic to evade constitutional oversight. Senator Jeanne Shaheen stated that the declaration does not reflect the reality of tens of thousands of U.S. troops remaining in high-risk zones.
"President Trump launched this war without a strategy or legal authorization," Shaheen said. She highlighted the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz and rising domestic costs as evidence that the crisis remains unresolved.
Executive vs Legislative power
Trump dismissed the 1973 Resolution as potentially unconstitutional during a White House briefing. He questioned why his administration should be held to a standard that previous presidents frequently ignored or contested.
While Democrats argue the 60-day limit was reached on May 1, they lack the Republican support necessary to legally force a troop withdrawal. For now, the administration continues to operate under the premise that the legislative deadline has been successfully avoided.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
