Image Credentials: Image Title: Trump Tells Congress Hostilities with Iran Have ‘Terminated’ Amid Ongoing Tensions Source: (chatgpt.com) Date: May 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (chatgpt.com) by Open Chronicle and does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle with Agencies
U.S. President Donald Trump has formally informed Congress that hostilities between the United States and Iran have ended, following a ceasefire that has held since early April.
In letters sent to Mike Johnson and Chuck Grassley, Trump stated that the conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, had effectively concluded. He noted that no direct exchanges of fire between U.S. and Iranian forces have occurred since April 7, when a temporary ceasefire was first implemented and later extended.
The announcement comes exactly 60 days after Trump initially notified Congress of the military action, a key deadline under the War Powers Act that requires presidential authorization for continued hostilities beyond that period.
Despite declaring an end to active conflict, Trump warned that Iran continues to pose a “significant” threat to U.S. forces and allies in the region. He said the Department of Defense is adjusting its military posture in select areas to address ongoing risks from Iranian forces and affiliated groups.
The conflict began with coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, prompting retaliation from Tehran and contributing to heightened instability across the Gulf region, including disruptions to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
While the ceasefire has held, the broader situation remains unresolved. Critics have questioned the administration’s characterization of the conflict as over, pointing to continued military presence and strategic uncertainty.
Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, strongly rejected Trump’s claim, arguing that the situation on the ground does not reflect a true end to the war. He accused the administration of prolonging an unauthorized conflict and warned of ongoing risks to both U.S. personnel and global stability.
Similarly, Jeanne Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the declaration does not align with reality. She pointed to the continued presence of U.S. troops in the region and the unresolved closure of the Strait of Hormuz as evidence that tensions remain high.
Shaheen also criticized the administration for initiating military action without congressional approval or a clear long-term strategy, arguing that the announcement does little to address those concerns.
Although fighting has paused, the fragile ceasefire and ongoing geopolitical tensions suggest that the situation remains fluid, with the potential for renewed escalation still present.