The White House has officially informed the US Congress that hostilities with Iran have “ceased,” although the military remains in the region, they said. news agency and POLITICO. The posts claim to have read the letter.
Politico newspaper quoted US President Donald Trump’s message to Congress: “A ceasefire has been in place between the United States and Iran since April 7, 2026. The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026 have ceased.”
At the same time, he noted that the war is in fact not over yet, the Associated Press wrote. “Despite the success of US operations against the Iranian regime and ongoing efforts to ensure a lasting peace, the threat Iran poses to the United States and our military remains significant,” the letter said.
The posts explain that this message is intended to prevent a growing confrontation on Capitol Hill, where Trump risks losing Republican support due to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president must consult with Congress before sending troops abroad and going to war. The use of military forces without congressional approval is limited to 60 days. This document is equivalent to the federal law.
In the event of war between the United States and Iran, the 60-day period ends on May 1. According to the resolution, Reuters notes that after this period, Trump must either end the war, request another 30-day extension from Congress for the withdrawal of troops, or obtain authorization to continue hostilities. However, some Republicans made it clear that they would not support continuing the war.
As the Associated Press noted, Trump’s letter to members of Congress declaring a “cessation” of hostilities actually allows him to override the measure. “[Письмо Трампа —] “This is an attempt to calm the debate over the need for congressional approval for the war,” Politico wrote.
The US-Israel war with Iran, among other things, led to a sharp rise in oil prices. Meanwhile, peace negotiations reached an impasse as the two sides were unable to agree on key issues: Iran’s nuclear program and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. In peacetime, 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the strait.