WASHINGTON : U.S. President Donald Trump has formally informed Congress that the armed conflict between the United States and Iran, which began on February 28, has now ended. However, in the same communication, the president acknowledged that the war “may continue,” raising questions about the finality of the declaration.
In a letter addressed to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Senate President Chuck Grassley, Trump wrote: “The armed conflict with Iran that began on February 28 has now ended.” Yet he added that while his administration is striving to achieve lasting peace, “the war may continue.”
Experts have interpreted the letter as a calculated legal and political maneuver. Despite the presence of U.S. troops in the region, the Trump administration appears to be avoiding any obligation to seek formal congressional approval for war. By declaring the conflict “ended” while leaving the door open to continued hostilities, the White House may be attempting to sidestep the War Powers Resolution, which requires presidential consultation with Congress and, in some cases, authorization for prolonged military engagement.
Observers note that the ambiguous language — “ended” but “may continue” — allows the administration significant flexibility to respond to future escalations without being forced to return to Congress for a new authorization of military force.
Neither the Pentagon nor the White House has issued further clarification on the operational status of U.S. forces in the region.
