The US has announced the cessation of hostilities with Iran as part of a ceasefire
A spokesperson for US President Donald Trump’s administration has stated that the ceasefire between the US and Iran, which has been in place since early April, has halted hostilities between the two sides for the purposes of the War Powers Act, reports The Guardian.
According to him, there has been no exchange of fire between US and Iranian armed forces for more than three weeks since the ceasefire came into effect.
Donald Trump was due to either end the military campaign by 1 May or seek authorisation from Congress to continue it. It is expected that this deadline will not affect the further course of the conflict.
The War Powers Act of 1973 stipulates that the president may conduct military operations for 60 days, after which he must cease them, obtain congressional authorisation, or request an additional 30-day extension.
The war with Iran began on 28 February following air strikes carried out by the US and Israel. Forty-eight hours later, Donald Trump notified Congress, triggering the 60-day countdown.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hagset stated during Senate hearings that, in his view, the 60-day period had been suspended during the ceasefire. Representatives of the Democratic Party disputed this, noting that the law does not contain such a provision.
The US Constitution stipulates that only Congress has the right to declare war, but this does not apply to short-term military operations or actions aimed at eliminating an immediate threat.
The Republican Party holds a slim majority in Congress. Democrats have repeatedly initiated votes on restricting military action or the need for congressional authorisation, but these proposals have not been supported.
In particular, the Senate rejected another resolution to limit the war by a vote of 47 to 50. Two Republicans supported the motion, whilst one Democrat opposed it.
Iran responded to the strikes on 28 February with attacks on Israel and countries in the Persian Gulf where US bases are located. Thousands of people have been killed as a result of the fighting, and millions have been forced to flee their homes.
