US President Donald Trump has informed Congress that hostilities with Iran have 'terminated' due to a ceasefire, arguing that he is no longer bound by the 60-day deadline to seek legislative approval for military action under the War Powers Resolution.

In a letter to congressional leaders, Trump claimed the ceasefire agreed with Iran last month paused the clock on his obligation to obtain authorization. The law requires the president to end the use of armed forces within 60 days unless Congress declares war or grants an extension.

No long-term peace deal has been reached yet. However, Iranian state news agency IRNA reported that Tehran has sent a new proposal for negotiations via Pakistani intermediaries. The details remain undisclosed, and it is unclear whether the proposal has reached the US.

Trump told reporters he is 'not happy' with Iran's stance, stating that 'they're not coming through with the kind of deal that we have to have.' He described Iranian leadership as 'very confused' following the deaths of top military officials in the conflict.

The US Treasury issued a notice warning that any individual or company paying Iran a 'toll' for passage through the Strait of Hormuz risks violating US sanctions. The key shipping channel remains effectively closed, causing global economic disruptions.

In Congress, Democratic-led attempts to constrain Trump on Iran have repeatedly failed, with most Republicans opposing them. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argued before a hearing that the 60-day deadline was paused, but Democratic Senator Tim Kaine disagreed, saying 'I do not believe the statute would support that.'

Legal experts have questioned the Trump administration's interpretation of the War Powers Resolution. Professor Heather Brandon-Smith of Georgetown University Law noted that a ceasefire does not constitute a permanent end to the conflict and thus should not stop the 60-day clock. She added that only the courts or Congress could halt the war if the administration continues.

Source: www.bbc.com