The Trump administration's interpretation that a ceasefire established on April 7 means the Iran war has 'terminated' is aimed at evading a congressional approval request by the approaching May 1 deadline.
This assertion has been met with skepticism from
Democrats and some lawmakers who argue that there are no legal grounds for such a claim.
Under the
1973 War Powers Resolution, presidents are allowed to engage in military action for up to 60 days without congressional authorization. The conflict commenced with US-Israeli airstrikes on
February 28, and Trump notified Congress shortly thereafter, setting the May 1 deadline for formal congressional approval of hostilities.
A senior administration official noted that since the ceasefire began, there has been no exchange of fire between US and Iranian forces, reinforcing their claim that hostilities have ceased.
Democrats, however, contend that the absence of direct combat does not equate to legal termination of warfare, with critics emphasizing the need for
Congress's constitutional role in war decisions. Senate Majority Leader
John Thune and others raised concerns about the potential for indefinite military engagement under such interpretations.
Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounding geopolitical relations with Iran contributed to an uptick in
oil prices on Friday, reflecting ongoing market anxieties regarding the situation.
Sources: 
The White House claims the Iran war has 'terminated' due to an ongoing ceasefire, allowing President Trump to bypass congressional approval ahead of a 60-day deadline. Oil prices surged on continued geopolitical uncertainties linked to Iran, as critics dispute the legality of the administration's interpretation.
