President Trump told Congress in a letter Friday that hostilities between the US and Iran have "terminated."
"There has been no exchange of fire between United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026," Trump wrote in the document that was seen by The Washington Post. "The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated."
"Despite the success of United States operations against the Iranian regime and continued efforts to secure a lasting peace, the threat posed by Iran to the United States and our Armed Forces remains significant," the president said, adding he negotiated a two-week ceasefire on April 7 that was extended.
In an X post, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called the president's claim "bullshit," adding, "This is an illegal war, and every day Republicans remain complicit and allow it to continue is another day lives are endangered, chaos erupts, and prices increase, all while Americans foot the bill."
In her statement, the Post reported Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, as saying, "President Trump entered this war without a strategy and without legal authorization and today’s announcement doesn’t change either fact."
The war with Iran began on Feb. 28, though the president didn't notify Congress until March 2. Trump was facing a 60-day deadline to request authorization to continue the war due to the 1973 War Power Resolution.
However, the president in the letter appeared ready to take military action again if necessary. "I have and will continue to direct United States Armed Forces consistent with my responsibilities and pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct United States foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive."
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