[47621] The tension between the Trump administration and Congress over the end of hostilities with Iran

Developments in the campaign against Iran: Trump declares the end of hostilities

Following the lapse of 60 days since the start of the military conflict with Iran on February 28, 2026, US President Donald Trump notified Congress yesterday that hostilities have ended. According to NTD News Hebrew, known for its pro-Trump administration line, the President emphasized in his letter that "there have been no exchanges of fire between American forces and Iran since April 7, 2026".

the move sparked a legal controversy in Washington. While Secretary of War Pete Hegseth argued in a Senate hearing that "the 60-day clock is paused" due to the ceasefire, Democratic senators disagreed with the interpretation. Senator Richard Blumenthal stated, as reported in NTD News Hebrew, that "there is no pause button in the Constitution, or in the War Powers Act" and that the US is in a state of ongoing war.

Further commentary from Or Fialkov suggests that for President Trump, the declaration is intended to reset the day count under the War Powers Act. According to Fialkov, the administration's position is that if fighting resumes in the future, the 60-day count will start anew without the need for Congressional approval.

At the same time, a hardline stance from the administration regarding any political compromise is evident. 301 World Arab News, a channel presenting a critical line toward Israel and the Trump administration, quoted the President declaring that he is examining an Iranian plan but is finding it difficult to see it as an acceptable proposal, as Iran "has not yet paid a price large enough" for its actions in recent decades.