Trump Declares Hostilities with Iran Terminated to Bypass War Powers Deadline

President Donald Trump sent letters to congressional leaders on May 1 declaring that hostilities with Iran have terminated. The move came on the legal deadline. A ceasefire imposed on April 7 has held, with no exchange of fire between U.S. and Iranian forces since then. Trump's letter pointed to that record to reset the War Powers Resolution's 60-day clock, which would have required congressional authorization or withdrawal by May 1, day 62 of the conflict.

The U.S. Navy continues to blockade Iranian ports. Project Freedom, Trump's operation to guide hundreds of stranded commercial vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz, began on May 4. It involves guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, and 15,000 service members.

Iran's military sent drones and small boats toward U.S. ships on the mission's first day. The IRGC stated that any vessel transiting the strait must coordinate with Tehran first.

Trump told reporters on May 1 he would not seek congressional authorization because nobody has ever asked for it before. The letter conceded that the threat posed by Iran to the United States and its armed forces remains significant.

U.S. forces destroyed much of Iran's navy, wrecked its air defenses and disrupted missile production. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S.-Israeli campaign struck more than 15,000 targets across Iran since the war began on February 28 with Operation Epic Fury.

Iran's regime remains intact. Its leadership survived. Before the strikes, Iran held about 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, enough for an estimated 10 devices if further enriched to weapons-grade levels. The International Atomic Energy Agency lost verification access on February 28 and cannot confirm the stockpile's status. The Fordow underground enrichment facility sustained damage but was not destroyed.

Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz, the transit point for 20 percent of the world's crude oil. It requires vessels to coordinate with the IRGC and pay tolls. On May 4, Iranian forces harassed U.S. naval assets and targeted a tanker linked to the UAE state oil company, which the Emirates called acts of piracy.

Hundreds of commercial vessels remain stranded in the Gulf, with up to 20,000 seafarers aboard, many short on food, fuel and water, according to the International Maritime Organization.

The conflict has shifted from airstrikes and naval clashes to a contest over energy flows and endurance. China buys about 90 percent of Iran's oil exports. Trump has delayed talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Gas prices rose from $2.98 a gallon before the war to $4.53 a gallon, with forecasts of $5 if the strait stays closed. Midterm elections approach in less than six months.