White House cites truce to sidestep Congress as risks remain

Last updated: May 01, 2026 | 17:20

US President Donald Trump AP

The Trump administration says the war with Iran has effectively been “terminated”, arguing that a ceasefire in place since early April marks the end of hostilities — a position that is now shaping both legal and diplomatic calculations in Washington.

The claim, however, comes even as key flashpoints remain unresolved, with Iran continuing to restrict shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the United States maintaining a naval blockade on Iranian oil exports, according to the Associated Press .

Ceasefire reframed as end of war

US officials say the halt in fighting means the administration is no longer bound by the War Powers Resolution requirement to seek congressional approval for military action beyond 60 days.

A senior administration official said that, for the purposes of the law, “the hostilities… have terminated,” referring to the conflict that began on February 28…