White House: Iran War Ends

The U.S. White House announced on May 1 that hostilities in the two-month conflict with Iran had concluded, coinciding with a legal deadline under the 1973 War Powers Resolution. This declaration by President Donald Trump's administration asserts that a ceasefire has terminated the war, which began on February 28 with airstrikes by Israel and the U.S. on Iran.

Under the War Powers Resolution, the U.S. president can conduct military action for 60 days before requiring congressional authorization or a 30-day extension. The administration's position is that the 60-day clock, which started after Trump notified Congress 48 hours post-airstrikes, has now expired with the termination of hostilities. Iran's state news agency IRNA reported on Friday that Tehran had submitted a new peace proposal to Pakistani mediators.

Congressional Democrats have disputed the administration's characterization, arguing that the continued deployment of U.S. ships blockading Iranian oil exports indicates ongoing hostility. The conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties, billions of dollars in damage, and disruptions to global energy markets, contributing to increased consumer prices. Public opinion polls indicate the war is unpopular in the U.S., six months before the November elections.