U.S. Official: Combat Operations with Iran Have Ended Due to 'War Powers' Reasons

SadaNews - A senior official in President Donald Trump's administration announced late last night, Thursday, that the combat operations between the United States and Iran, which began in February, have "ended" for reasons related to the War Powers Act.

The official stated, "Both parties agreed to a two-week ceasefire starting Tuesday, April 7, which has since been extended... No shots have been exchanged between U.S. armed forces and Iran since Tuesday, April 7."

Trump had until today, Friday, to end the war with Iran or provide Congress with justifications to extend it, but the deadline is likely to pass without any change in the course of the conflict.

The official explained the administration's perspective by saying, "Regarding the War Powers Act, the combat operations that began on Saturday, February 28, have ended."

Analysts and congressional aides had previously stated that they expected Trump to notify Congress of his intention to extend for 30 days or to ignore the deadline, considering the administration views the ceasefire as an end to the conflict.

The law, enacted in 1973, allows the president 60 days to initiate military action until seeking authorization from Congress or requesting a 30-day extension for an urgent military necessity concerning the safety of armed forces.

The war with Iran began with airstrikes carried out by Israel and the United States on February 28. Trump officially informed Congress of the war 48 hours later, which means the 60-day deadline will end on May 1.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated at a Senate hearing yesterday, Thursday, that what he understands is that the 60-day deadline has stopped during the ceasefire. Democrats objected to this, stating that there is no legal text regarding this matter.

The U.S. Constitution stipulates that only Congress, not the president, has the authority to declare war, but this limitation does not apply to operations that the administration classifies as short-term or in response to an immediate threat.

The Republican Party, to which Trump belongs, has a narrow majority in both houses of Congress. Democrats have repeatedly attempted since the beginning of the war to pass resolutions to force Trump to withdraw U.S. forces or obtain authorization from Congress, but Republicans have consistently obstructed these efforts.