Trump tells Congress ceasefire means he does not need their approval for Iran war

The president writes that hostilities "have terminated" because of the ceasefire, arguing he does not need congressional authorisation.

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By law, a US president must receive Congress' approval within 60 days of notifying lawmakers of military action, or else cease hostilities.

But in a letter to congressional leaders, Trump said he does not have to comply with that war powers act as the ceasefire agreed with Iran last month had paused the clock on any such obligation.

The US and Iran have not yet reached a longer-term peace deal via talks, though on Saturday evening Trump said he would be looking at an Iranian proposal "now".

On the 60th day since he formally notified Congress of strikes against Iran, Trump wrote to congressional leaders on Friday: "There has been no exchange of fire between the United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026.