Reuters citing a U.S. official:

Combat operations against Iran that began in February have ended under the War Powers Act.

This news indicates a significant legal and political turning point in the military conflict that began between the United States and Iran in February 2026. According to reports issued on May 1, 2026, this statement means the following:

1. Legal Termination of "Hostilities"

A senior official in the Trump administration announced that combat operations (hostilities) that began on February 28, 2026, have "ended" from a legal standpoint. The administration bases this assessment on the existence of a truce or ceasefire that has been ongoing since early April, as no exchange of fire has occurred between U.S. and Iranian forces for more than three weeks.

2. Bypassing the "War Powers Act" Deadline

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 is a U.S. law that limits the President's ability to commit armed forces to prolonged conflicts without Congressional approval:

• Time Limit: The law grants the President only 60 days to conduct military operations.

• The Deadline: Since the conflict began on February 28, the deadline to obtain authorization from Congress or withdraw forces fell on Friday, May 1, 2026.

• Legal Maneuvering: By declaring that operations have "ended" due to the truce, the Trump administration argues that the "60-day clock" has stopped. Consequently, the President does not need to seek Congressional permission to maintain troop build-ups or a military presence in the region.

3. Internal Political Conflict

This legal interpretation has sparked a sharp divide in Washington:

• Administration's Stance: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth maintains that the truce has effectively "terminated" hostilities, eliminating the need for a new authorization.

• Opposition (Democrats): Democratic lawmakers reject this logic, asserting that the law does not provide for a "pause" of the clock due to a truce. They are demanding the President obtain a formal authorization or end the intervention.

Conclusion

This statement implies that the Trump administration considers itself not obligated to withdraw forces or cease the blockade of Iran by May 1. By viewing the state of "active war" as officially over, the administration gains room to maneuver without returning to a Congress controlled by Republicans with a slim majority.