The White House told Congress on Friday, May 1, that the US war with Iran is over, even as American troops remain stationed in the region and the administration itself warned that Iran still poses a significant threat.
In a letter to top Republican lawmakers, President Donald Trump wrote that “the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.” But in the same letter, he cautioned that “the threat posed by Iran to the United States and our Armed Forces remains significant,” a contradiction that has raised eyebrows on Capitol Hill.
The letter arrived on a legally significant day. Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, a president must get congressional approval within 60 days of sending troops into combat – or within 90 days if he asks for more time. Friday was that 60-day deadline for Trump’s Iran war, which he launched without seeking congressional authorisation.
By declaring the hostilities “terminated,” the White House is essentially arguing the law no longer applies, because it says the war effectively ended when a fragile ceasefire took hold in early April.
It did not matter much in practice, though. Republican lawmakers showed no appetite for challenging the president, leaving Washington for a week-long recess on Thursday. The Senate had already blocked a Democratic effort to halt the war for the sixth time.
In essence, Trump started a war two months ago without Congress’ approval, missed the legal deadline to get it and is now arguing he doesn’t need it, because the war, in his telling, is already over.
Dissatified with Iran’s fresh proposal: Trump
Donald Trump has said he is dissatisfied with a fresh proposal from Iran aimed at reviving peace talks between the two countries.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said the offer failed to meet expectations, underscoring continued deadlock in diplomatic efforts despite a ceasefire that has held for several weeks, AFP reported.
Trump criticises Spain, Italy over stance on Iran operations
Donald Trump has criticised Spain and Italy, accusing them of insufficient support for US military operations related to Iran.
Speaking to reporters, he said he was “not happy” with both countries, suggesting their position implied acceptance of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon.
“Anybody who feels it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon is not very smart,” he said, warning such a scenario would lead to unprecedented global consequences and insisting it “is not going to happen.”
US sanctions Iranian exchanges, warns against Hormuz ‘toll’ payments
The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on three Iranian currency exchange firms, targeting Tehran’s financial networks.
It also warned that payments to Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz could trigger sanctions.
White House says Iran talks ongoing, no details shared
The White House said it will not disclose details of ongoing talks with Iran, confirming negotiations remain active.
Officials reiterated that Donald Trump has made clear Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon, adding that talks are aimed at protecting US national security in the short and long term, Al Jazeera reported.
Khamenei says Iran showing strength, calls for ‘economic jihad’
Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, said the Islamic Republic has demonstrated part of its capabilities in confronting its adversaries, urging efforts to counter pressure through what he described as “economic jihad”.
In a message marking Labour and Teachers’ Day, he said Iran must “frustrate and defeat the enemy” on the economic front, while praising public support for the country’s armed forces.
He added that Iranians had shown backing for the military through their presence in public spaces, signalling unity amid ongoing tensions
Pakistan urged Trump to delay Iran decision
A source in Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office told Al Jazeera that Islamabad asked Donald Trump to postpone a major military decision on Iran, citing ongoing diplomatic efforts.
US says over 40 vessels rerouted to enforce Iran embargo
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has said it has rerouted dozens of commercial vessels as part of ongoing efforts to enforce a naval embargo on Iran.
“We have so far rerouted 45 commercial vessels to ensure compliance with the embargo imposed on Iran. We continue to patrol international waters and enforce the embargo,” the command said.
