Iran

Trump Had 60 Days To End the Iran War. Instead, He's Just Pretending It's Over.

Legally, Trump must either cease operations or ask Congress for approval. He did neither, and Congress just went on recess.

Joe Lancaster | 5.1.2026 3:50 PM

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On February 28, President Donald Trump authorized military strikes against Iran. It has now been over 60 days since the first bombs fell.

Legally, that means Trump must either cease operations or get permission from Congress to continue. Instead, he split the difference: continuing operations while simply saying they've ended.

In 1973, Congress passed the War Powers Resolution. Though the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power "to declare war," the War Powers Resolution enshrined into law the president's ability to deploy troops "into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances." In return, he must wrap things up within 60 days, unless Congress votes to continue the operation.

Trump notified the Senate in writing on March 2, and May 1 marks 60 days. That means Trump must either immediately withdraw or ask Congress for more time.

Lawmakers,........

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