Trump told the US Congress that the conflict with Iran was over, circumventing the war authorization process.

Under the War Powers Act of 1973, the U.S. president can use military force overseas for up to 60 days without congressional authorization. Trump's 60-day war powers expired on May 1. Trump's letter claimed that the U.S. ceased military operations against Iran on April 7, when the two countries reached a temporary ceasefire agreement, which has since been extended. If hostilities resume, the 60-day countdown will reset and restart—a legal interpretation likely to be challenged by Senate Democrats. "Since April 7, 2026, there has been no exchange of fire between U.S. forces and Iran. The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have now ceased," Trump wrote in the letter.