President Donald Trump announced that hostilities with Iran "have concluded," informing the US Congress in a letter sent on 1/5. Trump wrote to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Chuck Grassley, stating, "No fighting has occurred between US and Iranian forces since 7/4. Hostilities that began on 28/2 have concluded." Despite this declaration, Trump acknowledged that the conflict might not be resolved, noting that Iran remains a "significant threat" to the country and US military.

The letter was dispatched as the deadline approached for the US President to unilaterally launch military operations without congressional approval. Trump notified Congress of hostilities with Iran approximately 48 hours after the first US airstrike, marking the 60-day limit on 1/5. Under the War Powers Act of 1973, the US President can conduct military operations for 60 days without congressional authorization. After this period, the White House must either cease operations or seek congressional approval to continue. The US Constitution grants Congress, not the president, the power to declare war, though this rule does not apply to short-term operations or responses to imminent threats.

US President Donald Trump in The Villages, Florida on 1/5. *Photo: AFP*

The Middle East conflict erupted on 28/2 when the US and Israel attacked various targets in Iran. Tehran retaliated with a counter-operation targeting Washington's military facilities in the region and infrastructure in several Gulf nations. The two sides reached a ceasefire on 7/4, US time, and have extended it for negotiations. However, they have yet to find common ground for a comprehensive peace agreement to fully end the war.

Amid stalled discussions, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported on 1/5 that the country had submitted a new negotiation proposal to the US via Pakistan. Trump, on the same day, expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal, threatening to inflict severe blows on Iran if an agreement was not reached. "They are demanding things I cannot accept," President Trump stated, without elaborating.

By Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)