Trump Had 60 Days To End the Iran War. Instead, He's Just Pretending It's Over.
President Donald Trump authorized military strikes against Iran on February 28, 2026, triggering the 60-day limit under the War Powers Resolution, which expired on May 1. Despite the deadline, Trump declared hostilities terminated while maintaining military operations, including a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Congress has not acted to authorize continued operations and has gone on recess, avoiding a direct confrontation over war powers.
- ▪President Trump authorized military strikes against Iran on February 28, 2026, starting a 60-day window under the War Powers Resolution.
- ▪On May 1, the 60-day deadline expired, requiring Trump to either withdraw or seek congressional approval for continued operations.
- ▪Trump declared hostilities terminated but maintained military actions, including a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, while Congress recessed without taking action.
- ▪Senators John Curtis and Lisa Murkowski stated they would not support continued funding without congressional authorization.
- ▪The administration argued the 60-day clock stops during a ceasefire, even though military pressure on Iran continues.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
War Powers Trump Had 60 Days To End the Iran War. Instead, He's Just Pretending It's Over. Legally, Trump must either cease operations or ask Congress for approval. He did neither, and Congress just went on recess. Joe Lancaster | 5.1.2026 3:50 PM Share on FacebookShare on XShare on RedditShare by emailPrint friendly versionCopy page URL Add Reason to Google Media Contact & Reprint Requests <img src="https://d2eehagpk5cl65.cloudfront.net/img/c800x450-w800-q80/uploads/2026/05/trump-iran-800x450.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto" width="1200" height="675" title="President Donald Trump and a map of Iran" alt="President Donald Trump and a map of Iran | Illustration: Lex Villena; AdMedia/SIPA/Newscom" /> (Illustration: Lex Villena; AdMedia/SIPA/Newscom) On February 28, President Donald…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Reason.com.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Reason.com
