“They are playing games”: Trump is counting on the Iran deal despite new skirmishes

“In accordance with the War Powers Resolution, hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28, have ended,” a senior U.S. government official said. The White House further stated that Washington and Tehran agreed on a two-week ceasefire on April 7th and that this had been extended. “There has been no exchange of fire between U.S. forces and Iran since Tuesday, April 7,” it said.

The background is the War Powers Resolution law from 1973, which limits military operations to a maximum of 60 days without congressional approval. If a president also wants to command combat operations by the US military, the formal consent of Parliament is required. This is intended to prevent the USA from being drawn into lengthy, illegitimate operations. At the end of the 60 days, Trump would theoretically be forced to withdraw US troops gradually. This would also apply to the naval forces and ships that are currently maintaining the US blockade of Iranian ports despite the ceasefire. However, there are some loopholes so that Trump could continue the war even after the deadline has passed. Previous presidents such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama had also bypassed Parliament.