From Reuters

By Alexia Bangayan

On Saturday, May 2 (Manila Time), the United States (US) President Donald Trump claimed that hostilities with Iran had ‘terminated,’ citing a ceasefire and no reported military exchanges since April 7, arguing that he no longer needed Congress’s approval.

In a letter from the White House, officials stated that the US-Iran conflict had reached a 60-day legal deadline under the War Powers Resolution, which expired on May 1.

The administration argued that the ceasefire effectively ended active hostilities and stopped the legal clock on U.S. military involvement.

Under the 1973 law, the president must secure congressional authorization for military operations beyond 60 days, with a possible 30-day extension for withdrawal of the U.S. forces.

The administration said the timeline expired on May 1, arguing the ceasefire effectively ended active hostilities and changed the legal status for continued deployment.

“For War Powers Resolution purposes, the hostilities that began on Saturday, February ​28, have terminated,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity while explaining the administration’s position.

However, Congressional Democrats disputed the claim, arguing that continued U.S. naval deployments were seen, which still indicated ongoing military involvement.

They also said that the law does not allow the president to bypass Congress despite claims that hostilities have ceased.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire said in a statement, “After sixty days of conflict, President Trump still does not have a strategy or way out for this poorly planned war.”

She added that the deadline served as a ”clear legal threshold” requiring action from the president.

Meanwhile, prior to the announcement on May 1, Iran reported that Tehran had submitted a new diplomatic proposal to the US through Pakistani intermediaries, suggesting the ongoing negotiations despite failed attempts and the earlier tension escalation.