PANews reported on May 2nd, citing the Wall Street Journal, that US President Trump notified Congress on Friday that hostilities against Iran ended in April, a move intended to allow the White House to bypass congressional authorization. Under the War Powers Act of 1973, the US president can use military force overseas for up to 60 days without congressional authorization; Trump's 60-day war powers expired on May 1st. Trump's letter claimed that the US ceased military operations against Iran on April 7th, when the two countries reached a temporary ceasefire agreement, which has since been extended. If hostilities resume, the 60-day countdown will reset and restart—a legal interpretation likely to be challenged by Senate Democrats. "Since April 7, 2026, there has been no exchange of fire between US forces and Iran. The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have now ended," Trump wrote in the letter.