HIBAPRESS – Follow-up
US President Donald Trump informed members of Congress on Friday that the war with Iran "is over," in a move seen as an attempt to contain the escalating legal debate over the need to obtain legislative authorization to continue military operations, especially with the conflict reaching the 60-day limit stipulated in the War Powers Act.
According to a letter sent by the White House to lawmakers, which American media outlets reviewed, the ceasefire with Tehran "stops the legal counter," referring to the deadline that obliges the administration to stop operations or seek the approval of Congress. Trump wrote that no exchange of fire had occurred between the two sides since April 7, 2026, adding that the hostilities that began on February 28 of the same year "have ended." The US administration, through this interpretation, seeks to avoid a political confrontation inside Capitol Hill, where pressure is mounting on Trump, not only from the Democrats but also from some Republicans, as the conflict enters its second month without clear signs of an exit strategy. In contrast, despite the stalled negotiating track, Washington continues to impose a military blockade on Iranian ports in an attempt to increase pressure on Tehran. Trump, before heading to Florida, confirmed that he had presented a "final offer" to Iran, expressing pessimism about the chances of reaching an agreement, and considering that the Iranian government is "incoherent," despite its desire to conclude a deal. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had paved the way for this proposal during a hearing in Congress, indicating that the ceasefire means "freezing" the 60-day deadline. The War Powers Act of 1973 stipulates the need to withdraw US forces from any conflict within 60 days of notifying Congress, unless formal authorization is obtained, with the possibility of an additional extension of 30 days for withdrawal purposes. However, this interpretation faces widespread criticism, as opponents of the administration believe that the ceasefire does not negate the reality of military operations, especially with the continuation of the naval blockade and the presence of about 50,000 US soldiers in the Middle East, meaning that the conflict has not been actually resolved. Signs of division began to appear within the Republican Party, after Senator Susan Collins announced her rejection of continuing the war after the legal deadline expires, stressing that this deadline is a "legal obligation and not just a suggestion." For his part, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine considered the announcement of the end of the war without withdrawing the forces "inaccurate," calling on Republicans to join the Democrats to hold the administration accountable for what he described as a constitutional violation. In contrast, Trump defended his position, criticizing the lawmakers demanding authorization, considering their demands "unconstitutional," and pointing out that previous presidents had exceeded the 60-day deadline without any significant repercussions. In the midst of this controversy, officials in the Pentagon confirm that US forces remain on alert, with readiness to resume strikes against Iran in the event that the diplomatic track fails, which keeps the possibilities of escalation in place despite the announcement of the "end" of the war.
