Trump administration argues war in Iran has already ended because of the ceasefire that began in early April
發佈日期: 2026-05-02 21:23
TVB News
US President Donald Trump's administration is arguing the war in Iran has already ended because of the ceasefire that began in early April.
The interpretation would allow the White House to avoid the need to seek congressional approval for military action that lasts more than 60 days.
Democrats have pushed the administration for formal approval of the Iran war.
Meanwhile, Trump told reporters Iran wants to make a deal to end the war but he's not satisfied with it.
The statement from US President Donald Trump's administration furthers an argument laid out by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during testimony in the Senate.
Hegseth argued the ceasefire effectively paused the war.
Under that rationale, the Trump administration has not yet met the requirement mandated by a 1973 law to seek formal approval from Congress for military action that extends beyond 60 days.
A senior administration official said for purposes of that law, "the hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28th have terminated."
The official said the US military and Iran have not exchanged fire since the two-week ceasefire that began April 7th.
While the ceasefire has since been extended, Iran maintains its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, and the US Navy is maintaining a blockade to prevent Iran's oil tankers from getting out to sea.
Under the War Powers Resolution the law that sought to constrain a president's military powers Trump had until Friday to seek congressional authorisation or cease fighting.
Democrats have pushed the Trump administration for formal approval of the Iran war and the 60-day mark would likely have been a turning point for a swath of Republican lawmakers who backed temporary action against Tehran but insisted on congressional input for something longer.
An analyst said there is nothing in the War Powers Resolution that supports the Trump administration's argument.
Meanwhile, Trump told reporters Iran wants to make a deal to end the war but he's not satisfied with it.
Trump did not elaborate on what he sees as the proposal's shortcomings saying only that Tehran's various leadership factions are not getting along.
