The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Reuters reported that a senior official in the
administration of Donald Trump said a U.S.-Iran ceasefire that began in early
April has “terminated” hostilities between the two sides for the purposes of an
approaching congressional war powers deadline.
The official said Thursday that hostilities, which began on
Feb. 28, are considered concluded under the War Powers Resolution framework.
The official added that there has been no exchange of fire between U.S. armed
forces and Iran since the fragile ceasefire took effect more than three weeks
ago.
According to Reuters, Trump faced a Friday deadline to
either end the conflict or present a case to Congress for extending it.
However, the deadline was expected to pass without changing the course of the
conflict.
Earlier, analysts and congressional aides had suggested that
Trump might notify Congress of a 30-day extension or disregard the deadline
altogether, with the administration arguing that the ceasefire effectively
marked the end of the conflict.
Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president is
allowed to conduct military operations for up to 60 days. After that, the
president must either end the engagement, seek congressional authorization, or
request a 30-day extension based on “unavoidable military necessity” to ensure
the safety of armed forces.
