US-Iran Ceasefire Ends War Powers Deadline
A senior official of President Donald Trump’s administration announced Thursday that the US-Iran ceasefire, which began on February 28, has terminated for congressional war powers deadline purposes.
The official stated that there has been no exchange of fire between US armed forces and Iran since the fragile ceasefire started more than three weeks ago. The 1973 War Powers Resolution allows the president 60 days to wage military action before ending it or seeking a 30-day extension on grounds of “unavoidable military necessity.”
Trump faced Friday’s deadline to end the conflict or make case for Congress to extend it, but most likely will pass without altering the war’s course. The administration argues the ceasefire marks an end to hostilities.
The Iran war began with Israeli and US airstrikes on February 28, followed by Trump’s formal notification of the conflict to Congress. This triggered a 60-day deadline ending May 1.
Iran responded to the attacks with strikes on Israel and Gulf states hosting American bases, while US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed thousands and displaced millions.