The White House says the conflict with Iran has effectively come to an end, even as President Donald Trump faces mounting pressure to either halt U.S. military operations or seek formal congressional approval under the War Powers Resolution.
Administration officials argue that a ceasefire reached in early April effectively terminated hostilities, a position the White House is using to contend that the 60-day congressional authorization deadline no longer applies. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers the ceasefire “paused” the War Powers clock, though legal experts and Democratic lawmakers strongly dispute that interpretation.
Despite the administration’s claim that active warfare has ended, U.S. military operations tied to Iran remain ongoing. The American naval blockade targeting Iranian ports and shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz is still in place, with officials describing the mission as necessary to maintain maritime security and pressure Tehran over its nuclear ambitions.
Congress remains divided over the legality and future of the operation. Senate Republicans this week blocked Democratic efforts to force a withdrawal or require new authorization for continued military involvement, while a small group of bipartisan lawmakers raised concerns about executive overreach and constitutional war powers.
The Strait of Hormuz — a critical global oil transit chokepoint — remains at the center of the standoff. While some commercial traffic has resumed, the U.S. blockade and heightened naval presence continue to fuel tensions and uncertainty in global energy markets.
