The administration of Donald Trump is facing intensified scrutiny after asserting that US hostilities with Iran have "terminated", a position that has raised legal and political questions in Washington over presidential war powers and congressional oversight.

In a letter to congressional leaders, Trump said, "The hostilities that began on Feb 28, 2026, have terminated," citing a ceasefire that took effect in early April. At the same time, he acknowledged that "the threat posed by Iran to the United States and our Armed Forces remains significant", signaling that US military involvement in the region could continue.

The assertion effectively allows the administration to bypass a May 1 deadline under the War Powers Resolution, which requires congressional authorization for military action extending beyond 60 days. The White House has argued that the deadline does not apply because active hostilities have ceased.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that the ceasefire effectively pauses the timeline.

"We are in a ceasefire right now, which our understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops," he said in his testimony on Thursday.

Hegseth argued that the administration could continue operations despite the Vietnam-era law requiring congressional approval after 60 days of hostilities. He declined to say whether the administration would seek such approval, deferring the question to the White House.

However, the administration's interpretation has drawn criticism from lawmakers and legal experts, who argue that the law does not provide for suspending the deadline under a ceasefire.

During the same hearing, Senator Tim Kaine rejected the argument, saying he did not believe "the statute would support that".

Legal experts echoed those concerns. "Nothing in the text or design of the War Powers Resolution suggests that the 60-day clock can be paused or terminated," said Katherine Yon Ebright of the Brennan Center.

Some lawmakers pointed to ongoing US military activity in the region as evidence that hostilities have not fully ended. Senator Adam Schiff said that "ceasing to use some forces while using others does not somehow stop the clock", referring to continued deployments despite the halt in direct strikes.

The debate comes as Congress has taken limited action to assert its authority. Lawmakers left Washington ahead of the deadline after the Senate rejected, for a sixth time, a resolution aimed at halting US involvement in the conflict.

Within the Republican Party, most lawmakers have deferred to the president, though some have signaled interest in greater congressional involvement. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he did not plan to bring forward a vote to authorize the use of force.

"I'm listening carefully to what the members of our conference are saying, and at this point I don't see that," he said.

Others have taken a more cautious approach. Senator Lisa Murkowski said she would consider introducing a limited authorization measure if the administration does not present a "credible plan", adding that "Congress has a role".

Senator Susan Collins also emphasized limits on executive authority. "The president's authority as commander in chief is not without limits," she said, adding that the 60-day deadline is "not a suggestion, it is a requirement".

Similarly, Senator John Curtis said he would not support continued funding for the conflict without congressional approval, calling for joint decision-making "in league with one another, not in conflict".

Conversely, some Republican lawmakers have expressed less concern about the deadline. Senator Roger Wicker said he has "not been too concerned" about the 60-day requirement, reflecting broader support within the party for the administration's approach.

Democrats, however, have raised concerns about both the legal justification and the strategic direction of the conflict. Senator Mark Kelly said the situation shows limited progress, stating, "This war is stuck. The Strait of Hormuz is closed. The Iranian regime is in place."

Despite the ceasefire, tensions in the region remain. Iran continues to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, while US naval forces are enforcing measures aimed at restricting Iranian oil shipments, according to Associated Press reporting.