Translated with AI
In the United States, a political standoff is escalating over President Donald Trump's authority to conduct military action against Iran. Following the expiration of the two-month period allowing the White House incumbent to campaign without congressional approval, American lawmakers intend to seize the initiative and determine a strategy for exiting the conflict, which remains unpopular with the public.
Despite Donald Trump's announcement of the end of the war amid an ongoing ceasefire, which he notified Congress on May 1, this has not reduced tensions around the issue. The president stated that there has been no exchange of fire between US and Iranian forces since April 7, 2026, and that the actions that began on February 28 are effectively over.
Trump claims he met the 60-day deadline set by US law governing the use of military force abroad and thus did not violate the law. However, it was precisely this deadline that triggered increased pressure from lawmakers.
According to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, 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 struggle erupted in Congress over the right to determine future US policy toward Tehran.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sharply criticized the administration's actions, calling the war illegal and saying its continuation threatens lives, increases chaos, and leads to higher prices for Americans.
In a letter to Congressional leadership, President Trump declared the active phase of the campaign over and Iran's military defeat, urging lawmakers not to revisit the issue or pursue legal action.
Despite the ceasefire, the US Navy continues to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, and the American force in the Persian Gulf remains on full alert for a possible resumption of conflict.
Experts note that the US administration is using a legal interpretation that the ceasefire allows the 60-day deadline to be reset and future military action to resume without immediate congressional approval. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth supports this position, stating that the ceasefire effectively puts the 1973 law on hold. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed a similar view, emphasizing that, given efforts to reach a peace agreement with Iran, limiting the administration's actions would be premature.
At the same time, pressure on the administration is mounting due to public opinion. According to a poll published on May 1, 61% of Americans believe entering a war against Iran would be a mistake.
As midterm elections approach, Democrats are pushing ahead with a resolution limiting the president's war powers. While the measure has yet to gain sufficient support, Republicans' position is beginning to weaken.
Some Republicans are already demonstrating a willingness to support the restrictions. Senator Susan Collins voted for the first time with Democrats and Senator Rand Paul, and Senator Lisa Murkowski announced the possibility of introducing an alternative bill with strict terms and deadlines. Senator Todd Young also questioned the administration's arguments, questioning whether the ceasefire could be considered sustainable if fighting could resume at any moment.
At the same time, Iran proposed its own peace plan, calling for a month of negotiations, opening the Strait of Hormuz, ending the naval blockade, and a final end to the conflict. According to the proposal, after reaching an agreement, the parties would be able to move on to discussing their nuclear program.
Further tension was heightened by a statement issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on May 3. It noted that the US was running out of options, and that Washington must choose between continuing the military operation and reaching an unfavorable agreement. Iran also announced a deadline for ending the naval blockade, without specifying it.
Thus, in the context of a fragile ceasefire, the US president has found himself under pressure both domestically and from Iran, which could lead to a further escalation of the political struggle in Washington.
