U.S. President Donald Trump told Congress that American military action against Iran had "ceased" under an existing ceasefire agreement and that, therefore, he did not need parliamentary approval to continue the conflict. Associated Press reported this.
At the same time, the agency noted that in his message Trump made it clear that the military confrontation could still be far from finished.
What law is at issue
Under a resolution adopted in 1973, a U.S. president may use armed forces abroad without congressional authorization for only 60 days. In Iran's case, that period expired on May 1.
Trump's position is that the ceasefire agreement reached with Iran in early April paused the clock on any such obligation.
Opposition reaction
The White House argument did not satisfy Democrats and some Republicans. The Senate Democratic leader called Trump's letter nonsense.
"This is an illegal war, and every day that Republicans remain complicit and allow it to continue is another day when lives are put at risk, chaos spreads, and prices rise."
A new signal on talks
Iran, through Pakistani mediation, sent the United States a new proposal for talks. Nothing has been disclosed about its contents, the BBC reported, citing the Iranian agency IRNA. Trump responded quickly, saying he was "not satisfied with what they are offering" in Tehran.
According to the WSJ, Iran has somewhat softened its demands. Whereas Tehran had previously insisted on lifting the blockade of its ports before talks could begin, it is now proposing to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz at the same time as U.S. guarantees to stop attacks and lift the blockade.
The first round of talks between the United States and Iran took place in mid-April and ended without results. Since then, the negotiating process has stalled.