• Trump claims hostilities with Iran have "terminated" due to a ceasefire, sidestepping the War Powers Resolution deadline.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argues the 60-day clock pauses during the ceasefire, a stance contested by Democrats.
• The ceasefire and continued naval blockade raise questions over the definition of hostilities and congressional authority.
• Some Republicans express unease, but most avoid challenging Trump amid rising public concern about the war.
• Critics argue the ongoing U.S. military presence and blockade still constitute active hostilities against Iran.

The Trump administration has formally informed Congress that "hostilities" with Iran have "terminated," citing a ceasefire that began early in April as the basis for sidestepping the 60-day deadline imposed by the War Powers Resolution. President Donald Trump stated in letters to congressional leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, that “the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated,” despite the continued military presence in the region, indicating an ongoing threat from Iran, according to Indiatimes and Channel News Asia.

During a Senate hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argued that the ongoing ceasefire effectively paused the War Powers clock. He stated, “We are in a ceasefire right now, which our understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire.” However, this interpretation was challenged by lawmakers, particularly Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, who asserted that the statute does not support such a claim and that the legal implications must be considered, according to South China Morning Post and BBC.

The situation underscores a significant political divide, with most Republicans maintaining support for Trump's decisions, despite growing unease regarding the lack of congressional oversight. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated there would be no vote on authorizing force against Iran, while others like Senator Susan Collins called for a defined strategy, emphasizing that the 60-day deadline is "not a suggestion, it is a requirement." This sentiment reflects the broader concerns among lawmakers who have voiced objections to the administration's interpretation of the War Powers Resolution, according to NPR and Al Jazeera.

Despite the declared ceasefire, tensions remain high, as the U.S. continues a naval blockade around Iranian ports, which critics argue constitutes an act of war. Democratic lawmakers stressed that the blockade and military operations still pose operational threats, framing the ongoing actions as active hostilities despite the absence of direct fire since April. House Armed Services Committee member Adam Smith highlighted that there is little expectation for the administration to adhere to the War Powers Resolution, indicating deepening partisan divisions and concerns about the scope of executive military authority, according to CBS News and Indiatimes.