In a move to circumvent the War Powers Act, Donald Trump has declared that hostilities between the United States and Iran have 'terminated.' This announcement comes just hours before the expiration of a 60-day deadline for Congress to approve military action following Trump's notification of the conflict that began on February 28. In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Trump stated that a ceasefire ordered on April 7, 2026, has effectively paused the countdown for congressional approval. He noted that there has been no exchange of fire since the ceasefire began and emphasized that the threat from Iran remains significant. Trump also claimed that no previous president has sought congressional authorization under the War Powers Act, despite historical examples where presidents, including both George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, did seek such approval for military actions in the Gulf War and Iraq War. This declaration raises questions about the ongoing military posture in the region, as the American blockade of Iranian ports continues and peace talks have made little progress.