Trump tells Congress Iran war 'terminated' as 60-day clock runs out

US President Donald Trump told lawmakers on Friday that the campaign against Iran has "terminated," as the 60-day clock for Congressional approval ran out.

"There has been no exchange of fire between the United States and Iran since April 7, 2026," Trump said in a letter to congressional leaders, according to Politico.

"The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated," Trump said.

The latest move is an effort to squelch the fight over the need for Congress to approve military action, which was launched without Congressional approval, the report said.

Under the War Powers Resolution adopted in 1973, the president has 60 days from officially notifying Congress – within 48 hours of committing the US military to armed conflict – to get their greenlight, unless Congress declares war, enacts a specific authorization or is unable to meet due to an attack on the United States. 

The United States and Israel launched major combat operations against Iran on February 28. The Trump administration formally notified Congress on March 2 of the military action, meaning the 60-day legal deadline would expire on May 1.

In the latest developments on the front:

USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier leaves Middle East

The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier has left the Middle East after taking part in operations against Iran, leaving two of the massive American warships in the region, a US official said on Friday,

The Ford is currently in the US European Command area of responsibility, according to the official, who put the number of remaining US Navy ships in the Middle East at 20, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carriers.

The Ford has been at sea for more than 10 months, during which it took part in US operations in the Caribbean, including strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, interception of sanctioned tankers and a raid to seize Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

While deployed, a fire broke out in a laundry room aboard the carrier on March 12, injuring two sailors and causing major damage to some 100 beds, according to the US military.

The US Navy's newest and most advanced aircraft carrier has been plagued by failures in its toilet system, with US media reporting clogged up pipes and long lines for restrooms on the ship.

Trump 'not satisfied' with Iran's latest proposal

US President Donald Trump said Friday he is "not satisfied" with Iran's latest proposal to end the US-Israeli operations in the Middle East, which is currently under a continuing ceasefire.

"They want to make a deal, but I'm not satisfied with it," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Iran reportedly delivered its proposal for a peace deal to the United States via Pakistani mediators on Thursday.

"We have just had a conversation with Iran. Let's see what happens, but I would say that I am not happy," Trump added. "They've made strides, but I'm not sure if they ever get there."

The US president claimed there is "tremendous discord" among the Iranian leadership. "The leadership is very disjointed," Trump said. "It's got two to three groups, maybe four, and it's a very disjointed leadership. And with that being said, they all want to make a deal, but they're all messed up."

Trump again warned that Iran's options are either striking a deal or coming under bombardment.

"Do we want to go and just blast the hell out of them and finish them forever? Or do we want to try and make a deal. That's the options," Trump claimed, adding that he received an updated briefing for military options from US Central Command one day earlier.

Meanwhile, Trump dismissed the War Powers Resolution. "It's never been used before. Why should we be different?" Trump said, signaling he would not seek congressional authorization to continue the war with Iran.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argued earlier this week that the open-ended ceasefire meant the clock was "paused" on a deadline to seek Congressional greenlight.

Iran's supreme leader urges economic, cultural battles to defeat 'enemies'

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Friday urged Iranians to wage an "economic battle" and a "cultural battle" to defeat the country's "enemies," according to a message carried by Iranian media.

In the message marking the Workers' Day and Teachers' Day, which fall on Friday and Saturday, Khamenei said that after over 47 years of struggle, Iran has demonstrated its military capabilities against enemies and "must also disappoint and defeat them in the economic and cultural battles."

He described teachers and workers as the most effective elements in these battles, calling them "the backbones" of the areas of culture and economy.

Khamenei also urged prioritizing the consumption of domestic products.

IDF official: everything done in Iran will be 'one big failure' if enriched uranium not removed

A senior Israeli military official said during a briefing for reporters on Friday that the recent campaign against Iran could be considered "one big failure," if Iran's stockpile of more than 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium is not removed from the country, according to Israeli media.

Israeli officials have said that this stockpile is sufficient for 11 nuclear bombs if enriched further. While Iran has long maintained its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes, it has enriched uranium to levels close to weapons-grade, he noted.

The officer added that "if the uranium is removed from Iran through diplomatic means, we have done our part." However, if that objective is not reached, Israel would need to launch another operation in Iran to achieve the goal.

(With input from agencies)