Administration argues ceasefire ended hostilities while Iran warns of strikes and Congress takes no action ahead of legal cutoff.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A senior figure within Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a warning that U.S. military positions could face “long and painful strikes” if Washington initiates further attacks, as the Trump administration approaches a statutory deadline tied to continued military engagement.
President Donald Trump said in remarks shared during a Fox News interview that Tehran appears interested in negotiating, while adding uncertainty about its leadership structure. “Nobody knows for sure who the leaders are,” Trump said.
Iranian leadership escalated its rhetoric the same day. Mojtaba Khamenei issued a statement marking Persian Gulf Day, asserting that Iran would defend its nuclear and missile capabilities and warning that the U.S. military’s place in the region would be “at the bottom of its waters.”
The developments come as the United States reaches the end of a 60-day window established under the War Powers Resolution, requiring congressional authorization for sustained military action. The deadline falls Friday, but administration officials indicated they believe the requirement does not apply.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers that a ceasefire agreement may have effectively paused the need for congressional approval, citing a halt in direct hostilities.
A senior administration official said the government considers the conflict concluded, stating that “the hostilities that began on Saturday, Feb. 28 have terminated.” The official pointed to the absence of direct exchanges of fire since a ceasefire took effect on April 7.
Despite that position, tensions remain unresolved. Iran continues to restrict maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while U.S. naval forces maintain a blockade aimed at limiting Iranian oil exports. Military briefings at the White House included updates from Brad Cooper on the situation in the region.
At the same time, the administration confirmed it is in “active conversations” with Congress ahead of the deadline, though lawmakers did not take action before leaving Washington for a recess. Previous efforts to halt the military operation failed to advance in the Senate.
Trump also addressed earlier reports involving weapons transfers during unrest in Iran, again speaking in comments carried by Fox News. He acknowledged that arms had been sent through Kurdish intermediaries but expressed dissatisfaction with how the operation unfolded. “I’m not happy with the delivery of the weapons. I’m not thrilled with it,” he said, adding that only a limited number were provided.
On diplomatic efforts, the White House said negotiations remain ongoing to bring the conflict to a permanent conclusion. A spokesperson stated that Trump has been clear Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon, while declining to disclose details of discussions.
Iranian state media reported that Tehran had delivered a proposal to Pakistan related to ending the conflict, with officials describing peace as a priority in talks with the United States.
As the War Powers deadline passes without congressional authorization, the administration’s assertion that the conflict has already ended appears central to its legal position, even as threats, military posturing, and negotiations continue.