Trump tells Congress hostilities in Iran 'have terminated' amid 60-day deadline

Updated May 1, 2026, 5:40 p.m. ETWASHINGTON – President Donald Trump, facing the end of a 60-day deadline for Congress to declare war, told lawmakers in a May 1 letter that U.S. military hostilities in Iran "have terminated," even though U.S. forces remain in the region."On April 7, 2026, I ordered a 2-week ceasefire. The ceasefire has since been extended," he wrote in the letter, which was obtained by USA TODAY."There has been no exchange of fire between United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026," Trump wrote. "The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated."Amid the 60-day mark, the missive didn't really mark an official end to the conflict, especially with troops still stationed in the Middle East. It was more so part of the White House's efforts to assuage the concerns of Capitol Hill lawmakers, many of whom believe the president's ongoing actions now need congressional approval under the War Powers Act.Slight cracks in Republicans ranks were starting to show April 30, as the Senate considered advancing a resolution to halt American involvement in the war. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, defected from her party and voted with Democrats.Before the vote, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth tried