Khaberni - U.S. President Donald Trump stated in a message to Congress on Friday that the hostilities that erupted on February 28 against Iran have ceased, coinciding with the end of the legal deadline to submit a report to Congress about the operation.
Trump added in his letter that there has been no exchange of fire between American forces and Iran since April 7 when a two-week truce was announced, but he noted that "the Iranian threat to the United States and our armed forces remains significant."
In his message to Congress, Trump mentioned that the Department of Defense (Pentagon) continues to update the positioning of U.S. forces in several countries as required, he stated.
Trump emphasized that he will continue to keep Congress informed of any changes to troop presence in accordance with the War Powers Act.
Today, Friday, marks the legal deadline for submitting a report to Congress about the war with Iran that began on February 28.
Under the 1973 War Powers Act, the president can undertake military action for only 60 days, after which he must ask Congress for authorization or a 30-day extension due to "an imminent military necessity relating to the safety of the American armed forces" during troop withdrawal.
Trump formally notified Congress within 48 hours of starting the airstrikes, triggering a 60-day countdown that ended on May 1.
The U.S. Constitution stipulates that only Congress, not the president, can declare war, but this restriction does not apply to short-term operations or to address an immediate threat.
Members of the Republican Party, who have a slim majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, voted almost unanimously to block any resolution seeking to end the conflict.
The war on Iran has resulted in the deaths of thousands, caused billions of dollars in damage, disrupted global markets, impeded energy shipments, and raised prices for a wide range of consumer goods.
Polls show that Americans do not support the war on Iran, ahead of the midterm elections scheduled six months from now in November, which will determine control of Congress next year.
Trump's popularity fell this week to its lowest level in his current term, with Americans blaming the war for rising prices.
Yesterday, Thursday, Trump received a briefing regarding plans to launch new military strikes to force Iran into negotiations to end the conflict.
If the fighting resumes, Trump could tell lawmakers that another 60-day period has begun. Presidents from both parties have done this repeatedly, launching hostilities at intervals, ever since Congress passed the War Powers Act following the Vietnam War.
