Trump Declares Iran Hostilities Terminated as War Powers Deadline Passes

President Donald Trump notified Congress on May 1, 2026, that the military hostilities with Iran initiated earlier this year have officially "terminated." The declaration follows an April 7 ceasefire and allows the administration to sidestep the War Powers Resolution's 60-day deadline, which expired the same day. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified that the lack of recent fire between the two nations pauses the legislative clock, even as U.S. forces continue a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz to prevent Iranian oil exports. While the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group departed the region on May 1 signaling a partial drawdown, the U.S. maintains significant economic pressure. The Treasury Department recently sanctioned three Iranian foreign currency exchange firms accused of funding regional destabilization. Military officials described the ongoing blockade as a "devastating blow" to the Iranian economy, indicating that the administration is shifting its strategy from direct combat to financial and maritime containment. On the diplomatic front, Iran reportedly submitted a fresh peace proposal via Pakistani mediators on May 1. The U.S. has not yet issued a formal response to the proposal. No new military engagements or updates regarding Iran’s nuclear program have been reported in the last 24 hours.