President Donald Trump has informed congressional leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate president pro tempore Chuck Grassley, that hostilities with Iran have terminated. This declaration comes as a 60-day deadline under the War Powers Act of 1973 expires. While the law requires congressional approval to continue military operations after 60 days, the administration and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argue that a ceasefire ordered on April 7 paused the clock or ended the conflict, rendering legislative authorization unnecessary.
Despite the ceasefire, diplomatic efforts remain deadlocked. President Trump stated he is not satisfied with Iran's latest negotiating proposal, which was delivered via Pakistani negotiators. While the new offer dropped the demand for an upfront end to the U.S. naval blockade and suggested that the U.S. and Israel would not attack again, Trump rejected the terms. He cited tremendous discord among Iran's fractured and disjointed leadership, stating that while they may want a deal, they are too divided to reach one.
Tensions continue to rise as a senior Iranian official warned that renewed fighting is likely following the rejection of the peace plan. President Trump has declined to rule out additional strikes, warning he could blast Iran to hell if no deal is reached. Although the president claims the U.S. has already won the war, he expressed a desire to win by a bigger margin. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to enforce a naval blockade as the costly standoff over the Strait of Hormuz persists.