US President Donald Trump has told Congress that he does not need authorisation for military action against Iran, arguing that hostilities have effectively ended.
In letters sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator Chuck Grassley, Trump said he was notifying lawmakers “of changes in the posture of United States Forces” and maintained that a ceasefire declared on April 7 had halted the conflict.
Under the War Powers Resolution, presidents must end military engagements within 60 days if Congress does not approve continued action, with an additional 30-day window allowed only for troop withdrawal.
Trump argued that there had “been no exchange of fire between United States Forces and Iran since April 7,” and that hostilities “have terminated,” attempting to bypass the requirement for congressional approval. However, he did not reference an April 19 incident involving US forces firing on an Iranian-flagged cargo ship.
Hours later, Trump appeared to contradict his own position, stating: “You know we’re in a war,” adding, “Because I think you would agree we cannot let lunatics have a nuclear weapon.”
Trump Rejects Iran Peace Proposal, Warns Against ‘Early’ End to Conflict
Trump has voiced frustration with Iran’s latest peace proposal, signalling that negotiations remain stalled.
“They’re asking for things I can’t agree to”, he said, cautioning against an “early” end to the conflict “and have this kind of problem arise in three more years”.
The remarks highlight continuing tensions despite the declared ceasefire.
US Warns Shipping Over Iran Strait Transit Amid Sanctions Threat
Washington has issued a warning to global shipping operators, cautioning that payments made to Iran for transit through the Strait of Hormuz could trigger US sanctions.
The move underscores the widening economic dimension of the conflict, particularly around one of the world’s most critical oil routes.
Majority of Americans Oppose Trump’s Use of Force Against Iran: Poll
A new The Washington Post-ABC-Ipsos poll shows growing domestic unease over the conflict.
According to the survey, 61 percent of respondents believe Trump’s decision to use military force against Iran was a mistake, reflecting a significant level of public scepticism.
China Urges Ceasefire Stability, Flags Hormuz Issue Ahead of Trump Visit
China has stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire in the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
Speaking at the United Nations, China’s ambassador Fu Cong said it is crucial that the truce holds. He added that the Strait of Hormuz situation would be a key issue if it remains closed during Trump’s planned visit to China later this month.
Pakistan Opens Land Trade Routes to Iran Amid War
Pakistan has reopened land trade routes with Iran, allowing goods to transit despite the ongoing conflict and blockade of Iranian ports.
The move offers economic relief to both countries but raises questions about whether it could weaken Washington’s pressure campaign on Tehran.
It may also influence ongoing Islamabad-mediated diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to an end.
Fresh Violence in Southern Lebanon Despite Ceasefire
Clashes continue in southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire, with civilians caught in ongoing hostilities.
Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said the truce is allowing Israel to “escalate” aggression.
Reporting from Tyre, journalist Obaida Hitto described the situation on the ground:
“Another deadly day in Lebanon.”
“On Friday, there were at least half a dozen Israeli attacks around the southern parts of the country targeting different kinds of infrastructure and buildings. Women and children were also killed and injured in those attacks.”
“For Hezbollah, they carried out nine military operations targeting Israeli troops within Lebanese territory, as well as carrying out some attacks across the Blue Line into northern Israel.”
“The situation here, despite an ongoing ceasefire, remains quite tense. This evening, we’ve heard intermittent explosions for the last several hours.”
“This is a huge risk for people who have returned.”
“Tens of thousands of Lebanese people who were displaced from their homes are now back in southern Lebanon, facing this very difficult reality, that the war isn’t over, the violence is ongoing, and they may be a potential target in this exchange of fire that continues between Hezbollah and Israel.”
“Politicians, including Nabih Berri, the speaker of Lebanon’s parliament, are also now saying that talks with Israel are irrelevant if these kinds of attacks are going to continue.”
