The Trump administration declared Thursday that U.S. hostilities with Iran have been 'terminated,' allowing it to sidestep a congressional deadline for approving military action.

A senior official stated that for purposes of the 1973 War Powers Resolution, the conflict that began on February 28 ended with a ceasefire starting April 7, after which U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged no fire. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee that the truce pauses or stops the 60-day clock, eliminating the need for lawmakers to authorize continued operations.

The law requires presidents to notify Congress within 48 hours of introducing forces into hostilities and to withdraw after 60 days without approval, with a possible 30-day extension. Trump notified lawmakers around March 2, setting today's May 1 expiration.

The 2026 Iran war erupted on February 28 when U.S. and Israeli forces launched Operation Epic Fury, striking Iranian nuclear sites, military bases, and assassinating Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei amid failed nuclear talks and Tehran's Strait of Hormuz closure. Iran retaliated with missiles on Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf, proxy attacks, and a Hormuz blockade, spiking global oil prices to $139 per barrel. Casualties included over 3,400 Iranian deaths, 15 U.S. service members killed, and widespread infrastructure damage.

A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire took effect on April 7 or 8 as a two-week truce, later extended indefinitely, though a U.S. naval blockade persists to enforce navigation in the strait, and Iran restricts tanker traffic. President Trump has predicted gas prices will plummet once the Strait fully reopens.

Democrats and some Republicans criticized the interpretation. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., called Hegseth's claim a 'novel argument' without legal support, while Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, stressed the deadline as a 'requirement' and backed a failed measure to end operations. War powers expert Katherine Yon Ebright deemed it a 'sizeable extension of previous legal gamesmanship,' noting the law allows no pause.

Many Republicans rallied behind Trump. Sen. Lindsey Graham urged ignoring the deadline, and Sen. Rick Scott defended unlimited spending to counter threats. Senate Democrats' sixth attempt to force a War Powers vote failed Thursday.

The administration's stance keeps U.S. forces engaged without new authorization amid ongoing negotiations over Iran's nuclear program and strait access. Trump has claimed multiple victories, emphasizing objectives like dismantling Iran's missiles and navy.