Trump Claims Victory in Iran Conflict as War Powers Deadline Passes Without Congressional Action

President Donald Trump has declared a unilateral victory in the U.S.-Iran conflict, stating the United States has "already won" but remains open to resuming military operations if negotiations fail. During a Thursday interview, the President suggested that while the U.S. has achieved its primary goals, it may need to "restart the war" to prevail by a larger margin. This rhetorical stance comes as the administration continues to pressure Tehran through a combination of diplomatic overtures and the threat of renewed force. In Washington, the 60-day War Powers Act deadline expired on Friday without congressional intervention or a vote to authorize force. Senate Majority Leader John Thune signaled that Republicans would defer to the executive branch, arguing that the ceasefire in place since April 7 effectively halted the legal clock. However, Democratic lawmakers, including Adam Schiff, have challenged this interpretation, noting that the continued deployment of U.S. warships in the region means the War Powers requirement should remain in effect despite the temporary pause in bombing. Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the Persian Gulf as Iran issued a warning of "long and painful strikes" against U.S. positions should Washington resume offensive actions. Tehran has also reaffirmed its territorial claims over the Strait of Hormuz, complicating U.S. efforts to form a "Maritime Freedom Construct." This proposed international coalition is intended to protect commercial navigation in the waterway, which remains a primary flashpoint in the ongoing standoff.