While President Donald Trump acknowledged Friday that the conflict powers decision is “totally unconstitutional,” his administration seems to be making an effort to adjust to Congress, in response to a letter obtained by NCS.
In the Friday letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley, Trump argues that the Iran conflict “hostilities,” which started with US strikes on February 28, “have terminated,” after a ceasefire was declared — an argument that aligns with prior NCS reporting.
“On April 7, 2026, I ordered a 2-week ceasefire. The ceasefire has since been extended. There has been no exchange of fire between United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026. The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated,” the letter states.
It notifies Johnson and Grassley of adjustments to the United States’ posture in Iran, as a part of his “efforts to keep the Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution.”
At the identical time, Trump writes that the menace from the Iran regime “remains significant” and the Defense Department will proceed to “update its force posture” to deal with it “as necessary and appropriate.”
The regulation states Trump would want to “terminate any use of the United States Armed Forces” or search congressional authorization after the Iran battle’s 60-day mark. For some, Friday marked 60 days, however others argue that for the reason that ceasefire paused army motion, the times after it was declared don’t rely towards the 60 days.
Read here for extra context on the conflict powers decision.