Trump says he doesn't need congressional authorization for war in Iran, citing ceasefire

President Trump sent letters to both the House and Senate on Friday declaring he does not need congressional authorization for war in Iran.

He cited the ceasefire he ordered on April 7, 2026, which has since been extended. Trump wrote that there has been no exchange of fire between U.S. forces and Iran since that date and that the hostilities which began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.

Despite the conflict reaching the 60-day statutory threshold under the War Powers Resolution this week, Trump asserted he will continue directing U.S. Armed Forces under his constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive.

The president told reporters he is not seeking authorization from Congress “because it’s never been sought before.” He added that “there’s been numerous, many, many times, and nobody’s ever gotten it before” and that lawmakers “consider it totally unconstitutional.”

Trump noted the success of U.S. war operations against the Iranian regime while promising to keep congressional leaders updated on further developments.

He maintained that the threat posed by Iran to the United States and American forces remains significant.

House Speaker Mike Johnson argued the same day that Congress does not need to weigh in because “we’re not at war” and “we are trying to broker a peace.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Senate committee the ceasefire means the 60-day clock “pauses or stops.”

The letters arrive amid mounting questions from congressional leaders about scheduling votes on formal war authorization.

Trump did not request the 30-day extension allowed under the law for safe troop withdrawal.