Trump Administration Notifies U.S. Congress That Iran War Has 'Ended' — 60-Day War Powers Deadline Expires

The Donald Trump administration formally notified the U.S. Congress that despite a continued U.S. military presence in the region, hostilities with Iran are considered "terminated." In a letter to Congress, the White House argued that no new war authorization is required since the conflict has ended. The same letter, however, stated that "Iran's threat to the United States and its armed forces remains significant."

The notification was delivered on the final day of the two-month window the U.S. Constitution allows for unauthorized military action. American media framed it as an effort to neutralize debate over the constitutionality of the war Trump launched against Iran two months ago without congressional approval. The letter also acknowledged that the war "may be far from over."

The notification came as U.S. warships and thousands of American troops remain on standby in the Middle East, awaiting potential orders for fresh strikes against Iran. Trump, before departing the White House for Florida, said "negotiations with Iran are not going where we want them right now" — voicing dissatisfaction. On the 60-day legal clock, Trump argued the existing ceasefire freezes the timer and called the opposing demand for fresh authorization "not a constitutional application."

Defending the Pentagon's 2027 budget at the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the final call on the 60-day window — which began on March 2, when strikes against Iran were notified to Congress — rests with the White House. The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires the administration to consult Congress within 48 hours of deployment or strikes and to withdraw within 60 days unless lawmakers authorize continued operations; the same act allows a single 30-day extension only for the purpose of withdrawal. From a supply chain standpoint, the announcement preserves persistent uncertainty around the U.S. naval blockade at the Strait of Hormuz, insurance premiums and the routing of energy shipments.

Key Takeaways:
1. The Trump administration formally told Congress that hostilities with Iran are 'terminated'.
2. The letter was delivered on the final day of the 60-day War Powers window.
3. The same text says Iran's threat remains significant and the war may be 'far from over'.
4. Trump: 'Negotiations with Iran are not going where we want'; ceasefire freezes the 60-day clock.
5. Pete Hegseth (Defense Secretary): the 60-day clock started March 2; the White House makes the final call.

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