Donald Trump Tells US Lawmakers That War Against Iran Has ‘Terminated’ As 60-Day Deadline Arrives
US President Donald Trump has informed Congress that hostilities with Iran have 'terminated' following the expiration of a 60-day legal deadline under the War Powers Resolution. While claiming Iran's military is severely degraded, Trump remains unsatisfied with current deal proposals, keeping both diplomacy and future military action on the table.
Washington, May 2: US President Donald Trump told lawmakers that the war against Iran has "terminated," as the military action, which was launched without Congressional approval, has reached a 60-day legal deadline. "There has been no exchange of fire between the United States and Iran since April 7, 2026," Trump was quoted by Politico as saying in a letter to congressional leaders. "The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated," Trump said. According to the report, the latest move is an effort to quelch the fight over the need for Congress to approve the conflict, Xinhua reported.
Under the War Powers Resolution adopted in 1973, the president - after notifying Congress of the use of military force - must terminate the action within 60 days, unless Congress authorizes continued military action. The United States and Israel launched major combat operations against Iran on February 28. The Trump administration formally notified Congress on March 2 of the military action, meaning the 60-day legal deadline would expire on May 1. Meanwhile, Trump on Friday said that negotiations with the Iranians remain uncertain, warning he is “not satisfied” with current proposals while keeping both diplomacy and military action on the table. US President Donald Trump Greenlights Iran for FIFA World Cup 2026 Matches on US Soil.
“They want to make a deal, but I'm not satisfied with it, so we'll see what happens,” Trump told reporters before departing on Marine One. He described Iran’s leadership as fragmented and unable to reach a consensus. “They all want to make a deal, but they're all messed up,” he said, adding the leadership was “very disjointed” and marked by internal divisions. Trump argued that internal discord was weakening Tehran’s negotiating position. He said leaders “are not getting along with each other” and “don’t know who the leader is”, complicating talks. He also claimed Iran’s military had been significantly degraded. Brent Crude Price Hits Four-Year High of USD 126 As Donald Trump Signals Continued Blockade of Iranian Exports, Potential Military Escalation.
According to Trump, the country has “no navy”, “no air force”, and limited defence capability following the recent conflict. Despite the sharp rhetoric, Trump said he preferred a diplomatic solution. “Do we want to go and just blast the hell out of him and finish him forever, or do we want to try and make a deal?” he said. “I'd prefer not, on a human basis.” At the same time, he made clear that military action remained an option if talks fail. “Those are the options,” Trump said, outlining a choice between escalation and negotiation.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 02, 2026 07:48 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
