Trump Tells Congress Iran Hostilities ‘Terminated’ on War Powers Deadline

The 1973 War Powers Resolution states a president must end hostile U.S. military action within 60 days, unless Congress authorizes further action.

U.S. President Donald Trump walks to board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 1, 2026. Jim Watson / AFP via Getty Images

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump notified Congress on May 1 that the hostilities with Iran, which began on Feb. 28, have terminated.

The president’s letter came on the 60-day mark of when he formally notified Congress that U.S. forces had entered into combat operations against Iran. The 1973 War Powers Resolution states that, within 60 days of notifying Congress of armed hostilities, a president “shall terminate any use of United States Armed Forces ... unless the Congress has declared war or has enacted a specific authorization for such use of United States Armed Forces.”