SRINAGAR: The administration of US President Donald Trump said a ceasefire with Tehran had effectively “terminated” hostilities, seeking to sidestep a key legal deadline under the War Powers Resolution that requires congressional authorisation for prolonged military action, Reuters reported.
Under the 1973 law, a president may engage in military operations for 60 days without congressional approval. That deadline expired on Friday following the February 28 launch of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Trump had formally notified Congress within 48 hours of the strikes, triggering the countdown.
A senior administration official told Reuters that, for legal purposes, “the hostilities… have terminated,” citing a ceasefire in place since April 8. The official argued that the War Powers clock no longer applied.
However, congressional Democrats rejected this interpretation, noting that the statute contains no provision allowing a ceasefire to reset or end the timeline. Senator Jeanne Shaheen described the deadline as “a clear legal threshold” and criticised the administration’s handling of the conflict.
“After sixty days of conflict, President Trump still does not have a strategy or way out for this poorly planned war,” she said.
Democrats also pointed to continued U.S. naval deployments and the blockade of Iranian oil exports as evidence that hostilities persist.
Republicans in Congress, holding narrow majorities, have largely backed Trump, blocking multiple resolutions aimed at forcing an end to the conflict or requiring formal authorisation. The war, however, has emerged as a political liability ahead of the November elections, with opinion polls showing declining public support.
According to Reuters, the conflict has killed thousands, disrupted global energy markets, and driven up consumer prices. Trump’s approval ratings have also fallen, with voters linking economic strain to the war.
The US Constitution grants Congress sole authority to declare war, though presidents have historically interpreted their powers broadly for limited or short-term operations.
In a parallel development, Iran has submitted a fresh proposal for negotiations to Washington via Pakistani intermediaries, Reuters reported from Islamabad, Washington, and Dubai.
The proposal, forwarded late Thursday, could offer a pathway to break the current diplomatic deadlock. Neither Iranian officials nor mediators disclosed details, and the White House declined to comment, stating only that talks were ongoing.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA confirmed the submission, while officials cautioned against expecting rapid progress.
The conflict has severely disrupted global energy supplies, particularly after Iran restricted access to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 percent of global oil and gas flows.
The US Navy has maintained a blockade on Iranian crude exports, while warning international shippers of sanctions risks if they comply with Iranian transit tolls.
Oil prices, which had surged above $100 per barrel amid fears of escalation, eased slightly following news of Tehran’s proposal.
Despite a ceasefire, tensions remain high. Reuters reported that Iran has activated air defences and warned of “long and painful” retaliation in the event of renewed US strikes.
Even as diplomatic efforts continue, the Trump administration is weighing further military action. Reuters reported that Trump was briefed on potential new strikes designed to compel Iran back to negotiations.
Separately, the US Navy is accelerating deployment of artificial intelligence tools to counter Iranian naval mines in the Strait. A contract worth up to $100 million has been awarded to Domino Data Lab to enhance underwater mine detection capabilities.
The technology is expected to significantly reduce the time required to identify new mine threats, a critical factor in maintaining maritime security in contested waters.
Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense questioning from lawmakers during a congressional hearing, Associated Press (AP) reported.
The war has cost an estimated $25 billion so far, with Democrats sharply criticising the administration for pursuing military action without congressional approval and for rising civilian casualties and economic fallout.
In a contentious exchange, Representative Adam Smith questioned inconsistencies in the administration’s justification for the war, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Some lawmakers also raised concerns over military leadership changes and the strain on U.S. resources, including munitions and naval deployments.
Despite criticism, Republicans largely defended the administration, citing national security concerns and Iran’s missile capabilities.
With the legal deadline passed and no clear resolution in sight, the conflict remains in a precarious phase—marked by a fragile ceasefire, ongoing military positioning, and tentative diplomatic engagement.
Financial markets continue to react to uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz and the broader geopolitical outlook, while both Washington and Tehran signal readiness for either renewed conflict or negotiated settlement.
