A senior official from the United States administration has stated that the ongoing ceasefire with Iran has effectively “terminated” active hostilities for the purposes of the War Powers Resolution deadline.
The development comes as President Donald Trump faced a May 1 deadline to either end military engagement or seek approval from Congress to continue operations. Officials argued that the ceasefire, in place since early April, halted direct exchanges of fire and therefore satisfies the legal requirement under the 60-day rule.
The conflict began on February 28 following coordinated airstrikes by US and Israeli forces, with Iran retaliating through strikes targeting Israel and Gulf-based US interests. Since the truce began, no direct military clashes between US and Iranian forces have been reported.
However, the administration’s interpretation has drawn criticism. Opposition lawmakers argue that the ceasefire does not legally pause or end the war powers clock, insisting that congressional authorisation is still required for continued military involvement.
Under US law, presidents can engage in military action for up to 60 days without congressional approval, after which they must either withdraw forces or request an extension. Analysts say the situation remains uncertain, with the deadline unlikely to immediately change the course of the broader conflict.
