U.S. Congress. Illustrative photo: pewresearch
After the expiration of the two-month term that allowed the head of the White House to campaign without the approval of Congress, American lawmakers intend to seize the initiative and determine a further strategy to resolve the conflict, which remains unpopular in society, avesta.tj writes.
Despite Donald Trump’s declaration of the end of the war amid the ongoing ceasefire, which he notified Congress on May 1, it did not reduce tensions around the topic.
The president said there have been no exchanges of fire between U.S. and Iranian forces since April 7, 2026, and that the action that began on Feb. 28 is effectively over. Trump maintains that he met the 60-day deadline set by U.S. law governing the use of military forces overseas and thus did not violate the law.
However, it was reaching that deadline that prompted increased pressure from lawmakers. Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, after two months, the president must either obtain congressional approval to continue combat operations or begin withdrawing troops within 30 days.
Against this backdrop, a battle has erupted in Congress over the right to determine future U.S. policy toward Tehran. Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sharply criticized the administration’s actions, calling the war illegal and saying that its continuation threatens lives, increases chaos and leads to higher prices for Americans.
In a letter to Congressional leadership, President Trump announced the end of the active phase of the campaign and the military defeat of Iran, suggesting that lawmakers should not revisit the topic or make legal claims. At the same time, despite the truce, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by the US Navy continues, and the US group in the Persian Gulf remains on full alert for a possible resumption of the conflict.
Experts note that the U.S. administration is using the legal interpretation that the ceasefire allows the 60-day deadline to be nullified and future hostilities to resume without immediate congressional approval. This position is supported by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who said the cease-fire effectively puts the 1973 law on pause.
A similar view was voiced by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who emphasized that it would be premature to limit the administration’s actions in the face of attempts to conclude a peace agreement with Iran. At the same time, pressure is mounting on the administration because of public opinion. According to a poll released on May 1, 61% of Americans believe going to war against Iran is a mistake.
As the midterm congressional elections approach, Democrats are trying to promote a resolution limiting the president’s war powers. Although the document is still not gaining enough support, the Republicans’ position is beginning to weaken. Some representatives of the Republican Party are already showing willingness to support restrictions.
Senator Susan Collins cast her first vote with Democrats and Senator Rand Paul, while Senator Lisa Merkowski has indicated that an alternative bill with strict conditions and deadlines could be introduced. Senator Todd Young also questioned the administration’s arguments, asking whether the truce could be considered sustainable if fighting could resume at any time.
In parallel, Iran has proposed its own peace plan that calls for a month-long period of negotiations, the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, an end to the naval blockade and a final end to the conflict. According to the proposal, once agreements are reached, the parties would be able to move on to discussing a nuclear program. The May 3 statement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps added to the tension.
It notes that the U.S. has fewer and fewer options left, and Washington must choose between continuing the military operation or concluding an unfavorable agreement. The Iranian side also stated that there is a deadline for ending the naval blockade, without specifying it.
Thus, under the conditions of a fragile truce, the US president has come under pressure both domestically and from Iran, which may lead to further aggravation of the political struggle in Washington.
