Breaking News: In a legally explosive move that has stunned constitutional scholars and bipartisan Senate voices alike, the Trump administration declared Thursday that the Iran war has already been "terminated" under the 1973 War Powers Resolution — arguing that the April ceasefire paused and effectively ended the 60-day clock that was set to expire Friday. Legal experts from across the political spectrum say the argument has no basis in the law's text.
What Happened
The Trump administration is arguing that the war in Iran has already ended because of the ceasefire that began in early April — an interpretation that would allow the White House to avoid seeking congressional approval. A senior administration official said for purposes of the War Powers Resolution, "the hostilities that began on Saturday, Feb. 28 have terminated." The claim came as the 60-day congressional deadline approached at midnight on May 1, 2026.
Key Details
The 60-Day Deadline Explained. Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, Trump is required to withdraw US forces 60 days after notifying Congress of their deployment — unless Congress authorizes the military action, which it has not done. The US and Israel first struck Iran on Feb. 28. Trump notified Congress on March 2, starting the 60-day clock and setting a May 1 deadline.
Hegseth's Argument. "We are in a ceasefire right now, which in our understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops," Hegseth told the Senate Armed Services Committee Thursday.
Legal Experts Reject It. "To be very, very clear and unambiguous, nothing in the text or design of the War Powers Resolution suggests that the 60-day clock can be paused or terminated," said Brennan Center attorney Katherine Yon Ebright. She added that the administration would need to push back against this argument in court.
Collins Breaks Ranks. "That deadline is not a suggestion; it is a requirement," said Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who voted Thursday in favor of a measure that would end military action in Iran. She said further military action "must have a clear mission, achievable goals, and a defined strategy."
Vance Called the Law "Unconstitutional." Before the Iran war began, Vance said the War Powers Resolution is "fundamentally a fake and unconstitutional law" and "won't change anything about how we conduct foreign policy."
The "Epic Passage" Option. Former NSC director Richard Goldberg recommended the administration transition to a new operation called "Epic Passage" — a sequel to Operation Epic Fury — focused on self-defense and reopening the Strait of Hormuz while reserving the right to offensive action.
No Cost. No Authorization. The Trump administration has declined to say how much the Iran war costs or to ask Congress for a supplemental appropriations bill. The war began without congressional authorization and has continued without it for 60 days.
Why It Matters
The 60-day limit was Congress's answer to Vietnam — a war that dragged on for years without a formal declaration. The administration's claim that a ceasefire "terminates" the clock is unprecedented. If accepted, it would mean any president can wage unlimited war by calling periodic pauses "ceasefires" and resetting the constitutional clock indefinitely.
As constitutional scholars note: the naval blockade is still active. The Strait of Hormuz remains contested. The peace talks have stalled. In what meaningful sense has the war been "terminated"?
Latest Updates
🔴 Administration declares Iran war "terminated" to avoid 60-day deadline
🔴 Hegseth: ceasefire "pauses or stops" the 60-day clock
🔴 Legal experts: "Nothing in the law supports this argument"
🔴 Sen. Collins votes with Democrats — "The deadline is not a suggestion"
🔴 Senate Majority Leader Thune: administration needs "a plan to wind this down"
🔴 Second Islamabad talks round called off — negotiations stalled
🔴 No congressional authorization vote scheduled
🔴 No cost estimate provided to Congress
Conclusion
The Trump administration has declared the Iran war "terminated" — while the naval blockade continues, the Strait of Hormuz remains contested, and negotiations have stalled. Legal scholars say the argument has no basis in the law. A Republican senator says the deadline is "not a suggestion."
Whether Congress has the will to enforce its own law is now the defining constitutional question of this conflict.
Stay with us for live updates as this legal and political crisis develops.Read More...
FAQ
Q1: What is the 60-day War
Powers deadline?
Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, a
president must withdraw forces from any
conflict within 60 days of notifying
Congress — unless Congress authorizes
the war. Trump notified Congress on March 2,
making the deadline May 1. Congress has
not authorized the Iran war. The
administration argues the ceasefire
already "terminated" it.
Q2: Is the administration's
argument legally valid?
Legal experts say no. Nothing in the War
Powers Resolution allows the clock to be
"paused or terminated" by a ceasefire.
Republican Sen. Susan Collins also rejected
the argument, voting with Democrats and
calling the deadline "not a suggestion —
it is a requirement."
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