Trump indicates he does not need Congress' approval for Iran conflict because of ceasefire

President Donald Trump indicated Friday in letters to Congress that he does not need their approval to continue a military operation in Iran as the 60-day deadline for Trump formally notifying them of the hostilities looms.

The United States and Israel launched aerial strikes on Iran on Feb. 28 and Trump formally notified Congress of the hostilities on March 2, meaning the 60-day window for Congress to make a declaration of war closes Friday.

Trump, however, said the "hostilities" that began in February have since been terminated with the ceasefire.

"On April 7, 2026, I ordered a two-week ceasefire," Trump wrote in letters that went to both chambers, per NBC News. "The ceasefire has since been extended. There has been no exchange of fire between the United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026. The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.

"Despite the success of United States operations against the Iranian regime and continued efforts to secure a lasting peace, the threat posed by Iran to the United States and our Armed Forces remains significant," the president continued.

“Accordingly, the Department of War continues to update its force posture in the [Area of Responsibility] in select countries, as necessary and appropriate, to address Iranian and Iranian proxy forces’ threats and to protect the United States and its allies and partners," he added.

Constitutionally, a president must seek the approval of Congress to formally declare war, though U.S. leaders have in recent decades ignored this formality and instead sought more limited authorizations of force.

The president must receive the approval within 60 days of the notification or ask for a 30-day extension. Trump did not indicate in the letter whether he intends to ask for the extension.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.