U.S. President Donald Trump informed lawmakers Friday that hostilities in the Iran conflict have “terminated,” a move designed to blunt growing pressure from Congress to formally authorize the military campaign.

In a letter to Capitol Hill, the White House argued that a ceasefire with Tehran — first reached in early April and since extended — effectively ends the 60-day clock set by the War Powers Resolution, which requires congressional approval for continued military action.

“There has been no exchange of fire between the United States and Iran since April 7,” Trump wrote, adding that the conflict that began on February 28 had concluded under the terms of the ceasefire.

The administration’s position comes as tensions rise in Congress, where some Republicans have begun to break ranks and join Democrats in calling for the war to wind down or be formally authorized. Senator Susan Collins said the legal deadline “is not a suggestion; it is a requirement.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previewed the administration’s argument earlier this week, telling lawmakers that the ceasefire pauses or ends the War Powers timeline.

Critics dispute that interpretation, noting that U.S. forces remain engaged in a naval blockade of Iranian ports and that tens of thousands of American troops are still deployed in the region. They argue these activities constitute ongoing hostilities requiring congressional oversight.

The announcement also comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts. Trump said he has presented Iran with a “final proposal” but expressed doubts about reaching a deal, citing divisions within Tehran’s leadership.

While the White House maintains the conflict has effectively ended, Pentagon officials say U.S. forces remain on standby should fighting resume, underscoring the fragile state of the ceasefire and the unresolved political debate in Washington.