The White House has informed Congress that the war with Iran is over. The White House spokesperson stated that the war has ended despite the presence of US forces in the Middle East. It is clear that today was the deadline for Congress's War Powers-related deadline. Meanwhile, Trump had told the media that the War Powers order was unconstitutional.
According to a Politico report, US President Donald Trump informed lawmakers on Friday that the war with Iran "is over." However, Politico wrote that this move is actually an attempt to cool down the debate over whether Congress's approval is necessary for the war. The White House presented its argument in a letter, stating that the conflict in the Middle East has reached the 60-day legal limit, after which operations must be stopped unless lawmakers authorize further military action.
This letter is an attempt to stop the growing political tension on Capitol Hill, where Trump fears losing the support of his Republican Party due to the lack of a clear strategy in the second month of the war. However, the White House's logic is not acceptable to Democrats and some Republicans, who say that the administration should end the campaign at this stage.
Trump wrote, "There has been no exchange of fire between the US and Iran since April 7, 2026." He referred to the ceasefire, which he has extended indefinitely. The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have ended. This letter has come at a time when negotiations are stalled and the military blockade of Iranian ports continues.
Before departing for Florida on Friday, Trump told reporters that he had made a final offer to Iran, but he is not optimistic about the possibility of a deal with the "corrupt" government. Trump said about Iranian proposals, "They have made some progress, but I don't think they will ever get there. I'll say I'm not happy. They want to make a deal, but I'm not satisfied."
It is clear that the 1973 War Powers Resolution requires that US forces be withdrawn from a conflict 60 days after the president informs Congress, unless lawmakers authorize further military action. The White House also has the option to request a 30-day extension to resolve the conflict. Trump criticized lawmakers on Thursday who were demanding approval, saying, "I don't think what they're asking for is constitutional... They're not patriots."
On the other hand, Defense Secretary Pat Hegsthn hinted at the legal stance under which the administration wants to continue operations in the Middle East. He told a Senate hearing on Thursday that the ceasefire has actually stopped the 60-day clock. Supporters of limiting Trump's powers under the 1973 law say that the president is misinterpreting the law. They also pointed out that despite the ceasefire, the US military is still blockading Iran and nearly 50,000 US troops are still deployed in the Middle East.
Trump also said that past presidents have not adhered to the 60-day limit and said, "Many presidents have exceeded this limit... Every other president has considered it unconstitutional." According to Pentagon officials, US forces are still on high alert and can resume attacks on Iran if peace talks fail.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine said that announcing the end of the war without withdrawing troops is "completely wrong." However, he said that Republicans must also support Democrats in holding the administration accountable, as this is an unpopular war.
On the other hand, US President Donald Trump announced that he will not withdraw from the conflict with Iran soon. Trump said in a speech in Florida that they cannot withdraw from the conflict until their goals are achieved, as the problem may recur after a few years. Trump reiterated that Iran will not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and said that if Iran were not stopped, Israel and Europe would be in danger.
The US president claimed in a speech at an event in Florida that Iran has no navy, air force, or leadership left, and expressed regret over the loss of Iran's leadership, saying they were good people. Trump said he does not like to talk about Iran until the work is done, and this work should have been done during the tenure of previous presidents.
Trump said that there are 400 oil-filled ships standing in the Strait of Hormuz, and if these ships come out, fuel prices will drop significantly. In a speech at a dinner in Florida, Trump said that Iran is a country that has no one willing to lead it. Trump said that the US spent 19 years in Vietnam, 12 years in Iraq, and only six weeks in Iran, and people are wondering why it's taking so long.
In a conversation with the media, the US president said that negotiations with Iran are ongoing, but so far, no results have been achieved. He clarified that there are only two options regarding Iran: either it is eliminated or a formal deal is made. Trump said he is not sure if the two countries will reach an agreement, and while discussing other matters, the US president said that he had spoken to Iraq's designated prime minister and is fully supporting him.
However, he expressed disappointment over the attitude of Italy and Spain. He expressed hope that his upcoming visit to China would be very successful. On the other hand, Iranian state media claimed that Iran has handed over a new proposal-based draft to Pakistan to be conveyed to US authorities. It is worth noting that in the context of the regional situation, Pakistan is playing a mediating role between the two countries.
