Donald Trump has told Congress that the war in Iran has already ended, despite the president earlier issuing a fresh threat to Tehran.
In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, the president said: “The hostilities that began on Saturday, Feb. 28 have terminated.”
The message effectively skirts a 60-day deadline the president faced on Friday, which required him to gain congressional approval to continue the conflict with Iran.
"Despite the success of United States operations against the Iranian regime and continued efforts to secure a lasting peace, the threat posed by Iran to the United States and our Armed Forces remains significant," President Trump added.
It comes after the US president told reporters earlier today that he was “not happy” with the latest proposal for peace from Iran, outlining options to either “blast them away or make a deal”.
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was ready to pursue diplomacy if the US changed its “excessive demands, threatening rhetoric, and provocative actions.”
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Key Points
- White House considers Iran war 'terminated'
- Briefing: What we know on the 63rd day of US-Israel war on Iran
- Trump receives high-level briefing on fresh military options against Iran - report
- Trump administration claims hostilities 'terminated' ahead of war powers deadline
- Iranian president says US blockade of ports ‘doomed to fail’
- Hegseth grilled in Congress over Iran war
Trump says suggesting the US is losing the war in Iran is 'treasonous'
00:31 , Graig GraziosiPresident Donald Trump told a group of his supporters on Friday that saying the U.S. is losing the war with Iran is “treasonous.”
Trump made the comment during a rally at The Villages in Florida.
“We get the radical left to say, ‘We’re not winning, we’re not winning.’ They don’t have any military left. It’s unbelievable. It’s actually, it’s actually, I believe it’s treasonous, okay. You want to know the truth – it’s treasonous,” Trump said.
President Trump says he thinks it’s “treasonous” to say we’re not winning the war in Iran. pic.twitter.com/4F0EgkiBRZ
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 1, 2026
China says urgent need to maintain Iran war ceasefire
00:00 , Bryony GoochChina's UN ambassador Fu Cong said on Friday it was an urgent necessity to maintain the Iran war ceasefire and that he was sure the Strait of Hormuz issue would be high on the agenda if it is still closed when US president Donald Trump goes to China this month.
Fu told reporters at the United Nations the strait needed to be reopened as quickly as possible. He said China was very concerned about remarks it had heard recently about the ceasefire being temporary and the need to initiate another round of attacks.
"Iran needs to lift its restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, and the US needs to lift its naval blockade," he said.
"The most urgent issue is to keep the ceasefire. And the ceasefire needs to last, and there has to be a good-faith negotiation between the two sides," he said.
"I think the international community should be mobilized and raise our voices against the resumption of fighting."
Asked about president Donald Trump's visit to China scheduled for this month, he said: "I'm sure if Hormuz is still closed by the time President Trump goes to China, this issue will be high on the agenda of the bilateral talks."
Fu also rejected allegations from some US officials about military cooperation between China and Iran as "false."
Fu was briefing at the start of the month-long Chinese presidency of the UN security council and said Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will chair a session of the council on May 26.
The US state department did not respond immediately when asked if there were plans for US secretary of state Marco Rubio to meet Wang while he was in the US.
Breaking: Trump orders US to pull thousands of troops out of Germany
23:27 , Bryony Gooch
Trump orders US to pull thousands of troops out of Germany after row with Merz
Watch: Get your f***ing hand out of my face': CNN pundit Scott Jennings blows up in Iran debate
23:00 , Bryony GoochUS withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany, US officials say
22:45 , Bryony GoochThe United States is withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany, the Pentagon announced on Friday, in an apparent US rebuke to the close Nato ally amid a widening rift between president Donald Trump and Europe over the Iran war.
Trump had threatened a drawdown in forces earlier this week after sparring with German chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said on Monday the Iranians were humiliating the US in talks to end the two-month-old war.
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the withdrawal was expected to be completed over the next six to twelve months.
Trump says US will not leave Iran early, wants to avoid 'problem' reappearing
22:39 , Bryony GoochUS president Donald Trump on Friday said the United States would not exit its confrontation with Iran early "and then have the problem arise in three more years".
Analysis: Bab-Al Mandab could be closed as war shows no sign of ending
22:00 , Bryony GoochProfessor Maziyar Ghiabi, director of the University of Exeter’s Centre of Persian and Iranian Studies, has said that as the war on Iran shows no sign of ending, Bab-Al Mandab could be the next strait to face closure.
He said: “The US-Israeli war on Iran shows no signs of ending. The US appears prepared to maintain a prolonged blockade of Iranian ports, even at the risk of significant domestic backlash from Republicans and international pressure.
“Israel, relatively insulated from the conflict, sees its stock market performing well, mirroring the US tech list, while expanding military attacks in spite of the ceasefire with Lebanon.
“Iranian top decision-makers are exploring ways to deter future Israeli and American attacks, and negotiating with the aim at seeking either capital flows in the postwar or control of the Strait of Hormuz for war reparations which exceed $260 billion.
“However, the US president might be persuaded to launch a second (effectively third) round of military attacks, potentially escalating the war to the Bab Al-Mandab strait, which could be equally closed by Ansarullah (aka Houthis) in the Red Sea and further disrupting global energy and goods supplies. This all happens while the US lacks clear objectives, as Israel pushes for a total victory strategy, aiming for Iran’s complete de-industrialisation.”
Israeli strikes on Lebanon kill 17 people including two children despite ceasefire
21:00 , James ReynoldsIsraeli strikes on Lebanon have killed 17 people including two children on Thursday, despite a ceasefire negotiated two weeks ago.
Lebanon’s health authorities said that 35 people including nine children and eight women were also injured in the attacks.
Israel says it is attacking Hezbollah infrastructure and issued evacuation warnings for 15 villages in southern Lebanon, many which were outside of the “yellow line” that marks the limits of its occupation in the country.
Maira Butt reports:
White House considers Iran war 'terminated'
20:06 , Harriette BoucherThe Trump administration is arguing that the Iran war has already ended because of the ceasefire that began in early April.
In a letter to Congress on Friday, the president said: “The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.”
The message from Donald Trump effectively skirts a May 1 legal deadline to gain approval from members of Congress to continue the war with Iran.
However, he also suggested in the letter that the war may be far from over.
“Despite the success of United States operations against the Iranian regime and continued efforts to secure a lasting peace, the threat posed by Iran to the United States and our Armed Forces remains significant,” he added.
Iran crisis hampering aid to refugees as supply chain costs soar, UN warns
20:00 , James ReynoldsThe cost of sending aid to Sudan - the world's largest displacement crisis - has more than doubled since the Iran war disrupted shipping, pushing up transport costs and delaying deliveries, the UN refugee agency said on Friday.
Heightened insecurity around key Gulf shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, along with port congestion, rising fuel prices and higher insurance premiums have hampered aid deliveries, particularly to Africa, the agency said.
"People in dire need are receiving things that are ready later than what's needed," UNHCR spokesperson Carlotta Wolf told reporters in Geneva.
Aid shipments that previously travelled from Dubai through the Strait of Hormuz are being rerouted, with supplies moved overland and shipped via Aqaba in Jordan for deliveries to Chad, and via Oman for shipments to Port Sudan, she said.
These shorter routes are being prioritised because shipping goods via the Cape of Good Hope into Sudan would add about 25 days to delivery times, she added.
Recap: Iran threatens ‘long and painful strikes’ after Trump briefed on ‘final blow’ options
19:00 , James ReynoldsIran has threatened “long and painful strikes” on US footholds in the Middle East if Donald Trump renews attacks in a bid to pressure the regime into further peace talks.
With the Strait of Hormuz still constricted by Iran, the US president was expected to receive a briefing on new options including fresh strikes and a limited deployment of American troops, reports said.
Hints at Washington renewing bombing spurred oil prices past $125 per barrel at one point, before falling back to $105 on Friday morning.
The latest:
Iran threatens ‘long and painful strikes’ after Trump briefed on ‘final blow’ options
UN should revisit Lebanon peacekeeping mission decision, China envoy says
18:04 , Bryony GoochChina's ambassador to the United Nations Fu Cong told reporters on Friday that there was a need to revisit a decision that will see the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)'s mandate end at the end of the year.
Trump: Oil and gas prices to fall when war ends
18:01 , Bryony GoochUS president Donald Trump on Friday repeated his prediction that oil and gas prices would fall when the war with Iran ends.
Brent crude prices are currently at $108 per barrel.
Pictured: First responders search for survivors following deadly Israeli strike in Lebanon
18:00 , James Reynolds
Trump 'not satisfied' with Iran's latest proposal
17:31 , Bryony GoochUS president Donald Trump told reporters on Friday that he was not satisfied with Iran's latest proposal for resolving the conflict and that negotiations were taking place by phone.
Trump expands US sanctions on Cuban government
17:17 , Bryony GoochPresident Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order broadening US sanctions against the Cuban government, two White House officials told Reuters, as he seeks to put more pressure on Havana after ousting Venezuela's leader from power.
The fresh sanctions target people, entities and affiliates that support the Cuban government's security apparatus or are complicit in corruption or serious human rights violations, the officials said, as well as agents, officials or supporters of the government.
It was not immediately clear what people or entities were hit with sanctions under the order, which was first reported by Reuters.
The order authorizes secondary sanctions for conducting or facilitating transactions with those targeted under the order, the officials said.
The new sanctions were the latest broadside by the Trump administration against Cuba, which the president has repeatedly declared is near a state of collapse.
Under Trump, US forces have launched strikes on boats off Venezuela and gone into Caracas to seize president Nicolas Maduro, and, with Israel, waged war on Iran since 28 February.
Trump has said "Cuba is next." He has not specified what he plans to do with the island nation. The Iran conflict has led to a spike in gasoline prices that have damaged Trump's popularity.
The officials said Trump's order contained an implicit warning to Cuba, saying the government has aligned itself with Iran and militant groups like Hezbollah.
"Cuba provides a permissive environment for hostile foreign intelligence, military, and terrorist operations less than 100 miles from the American homeland," one official said.
What are Trump’s options for Iran after ‘final blow’ briefing?
17:00 , James ReynoldsHopes that an end to the war could be in sight grew on Friday with news Iran had presented Pakistan with a new proposal for negotiations.
But the renewed push for talks comes as Donald Trump reportedly weighs options to restart the conflict in case diplomacy fails.
The president was expected to receive a briefing from the military’s top commanders on Thursday, detailing options from fresh strikes to a limited ground operation.
The Independent reviews Washington’s options after weeks in limbo:
What are Trump’s options for Iran after ‘final blow’ briefing?
White House declines to comment on new Iran proposal
16:47 , Bryony GoochThe White House said on Friday it will not detail private diplomatic conversations when asked about Iran's new proposal to the United States that was submitted to Pakistani mediators.
"We do not detail private diplomatic conversations. President Trump has been clear that Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon, and negotiations continue to ensure the short- and long-term national security of the United States,” spokeswoman Anna Kelly said.
Trump and Hegseth argue Iran war ceasefire stops the clock on 60-day deadline for congressional war powers approval
16:00 , Maira ButtJust hours before a crucial deadline, the Trump administration argued the war in Iran has been effectively “terminated” under the ongoing ceasefire, which, the claim also stops the clock on a crucial deadline for congressional approval of ongoing actions in the conflict.
Under the War Powers Resolution, President Donald Trump faced a 60-day clock — expiring Friday, May 1 — to either end the war in Iran or secure congressional approval to continue. Now, a senior administration official tells the Associated Press the U.S. and Iran haven’t exchanged fire since April 7, and that the hostilities have been “terminated.”
A US official also told Reuters: "For War Powers Resolution purposes, the hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28, have terminated.”
Katie Hawkinson reports:
Trump administration argues Iran war effectively ‘terminated’
Recap: Trump ‘briefed on final blow’ strike options as he pushes Tehran to make deal
15:30 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump reportedly received a high-level briefing on Thursday from Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine on new military options against Iran.
Plans under discussion include a “short and powerful” wave of strikes on Iranian infrastructure, a possible operation to take control of parts of the Strait of Hormuz to restore shipping, and even a special forces mission to secure Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, Axios reported.
Earlier, Trump said the US had “already won” the war in Iran even as he continued to pressure Tehran to make a deal.
During an interview with Newsmax’s Greta Van Susteren, the president declared that the US had achieved victory, but said he wanted to win by a “bigger margin”.
“We’ve already won, but I want to win by a bigger margin,” he said. “But we have. We have destroyed their navy, destroyed their air force, destroyed all of their — if you look at their anti-aircraft equipment, their radar equipment, their leadership, their leadership is destroyed.”
Despite his insistence that Iran is already beaten, the president is continuing his blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysis: Germany is getting tough on Trump. Here’s why
15:01 , Maira ButtThe US president and the German chancellor have locked horns. Spain has shunned Washington. The Nato alliance is more fragile than it has ever been.
Western powers are determined to see off Russian military “hard” power; they are familiar with “soft power” operations to undermine democracies. But how to deal with the Kremlin’s relationship with Donald Trump is now an emergency.
Working out a response to internal frictions within Nato has become a conundrum, not only for leaders in the alliance but for the military officials who have to figure out how to keep the military machine operational.
A weakened Nato serves only the interests of the enemies and rivals of the West.
The Independent’s world affairs editor Sam Kiley reports:
Watch - Get your f***ing hand out of my face': CNN pundit Scott Jennings blows up in Iran debate
14:30 , Maira ButtUAE says Iran cannot be trusted over Hormuz
14:00 , Maira ButtThe United Arab Emirates has said that Iran cannot be trusted over the Strait of Hormuz in increasing mistrust and tensions in the region.
UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said on Friday that the “collective international will and provisions of international law” were the primary guarantors of freedom of navigation through the vital shipping route.
“And, of course, no unilateral Iranian arrangements can be trusted or relied upon following its treacherous aggression against all its neighbors,” Gargash wrote.
Iran puts forward new proposal for negotiations, says state media
13:28 , Maira ButtIran has sent its proposal for negotiations to Pakistani mediators on Thursday, according to Iranian state media.
Peace talks had largely stalled with reports suggesting discussions were set to take place last weekend.
President Donald Trump cancelled a trip planned for his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, saying he wanted a more unified proposal presented.
Iran consistently denied that any scheduled talks with Washington had been agreed.
Troops at polling sites and true cost of Iran war: Key takeaways from Hegseth’s clash in the Senate
12:59 , Maira ButtDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth was back on Capitol Hill Thursday to take questions from the Senate Armed Services Committee about the Iran war in what proved to be another combative and ill-tempered hearing.
Hegseth suffered a similar ordeal a day earlier in front of the House Armed Services Committee, losing his cool when it was suggested that Operation Epic Fury had already entrapped the U.S. in the sort of “quagmire” previously experienced in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Vietnam.
The secretary hit out at “defeatist Democrats” for failing to support the latest American military intervention in the Middle East, insisted any cost incurred by the conflict was worth it to stamp out the prospect of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, and praised President Donald Trump repeatedly for having the “courage” to embark on the endeavor.
Insider trading and true cost of Iran war: Key takeaways from Hegseth Senate clash
UKMTO says carrier approached by armed men in incident off Yemen's coast
12:29 , Maira ButtThe United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organisation has said that it has received reports of an incident 92 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s Mukalla.
It said that a bulk carrier has reported being approached by a skiff with a black hull carrying seven armed persons.
The incident comes amid ongoing naval tensions amid Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump and Netanyahu’s wars in the Middle East have elevated threat to British Jews, MI5 warns
12:00 , Maira ButtThere is an elevated threat to British Jews and Israeli institutions in the UK following the conflict in the Middle East, MI5 has warned, following a decision to raise the terror threat level from substantial to severe.
The decision to raise the level was taken by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), an arm of MI5, yesterday after the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, London.
In a brief published on Friday, the domestic security service MI5 said the UK has been experiencing a gradual increase in terrorist threats for some time, driven by a rise in both Islamist and Extreme Right-Wing terror.
The Independent’s social affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft reports:
War in the Middle East has elevated threat to British Jews, MI5 warns
Trump administration says ceasefire has 'terminated' hostilities as deadline passes
11:28 , James ReynoldsThe fragile ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States has already “terminated” hostilities between the two sides, a senior Trump administration said on Thursday, ahead of today’s deadline to end the war or make the case to Congress for extending it.
“For War Powers Resolution purposes, the hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28, have terminated,” said the official, describing the administration's thinking.
There has been no exchange of fire between the US armed forces and Iran since a fragile ceasefire began more than three weeks ago, the official added.
Earlier, analysts and congressional aides had said they expected Trump to notify Congress that he planned a 30-day extension or to disregard the deadline, with the administration arguing the ceasefire marked an end to the conflict.
The 1973 law allows the president 60 days to wage military action before ending it, seeking authorisation from Congress or asking for a 30-day extension on grounds of “unavoidable military necessity” for the safety of the armed forces.
Recap: The moments when Hegseth lost his nerve during Congress questions on the Iran war
11:00 , James ReynoldsDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense scrutiny from furious Democrats on Wednesday during his first congressional appearance since the Trump administration initiated military action against Iran.
Lawmakers grilled Hegseth over the costly conflict, which has proceeded without congressional approval and has already amounted to $25 billion, according to Pentagon figures presented to the House Armed Services Committee.
The contentious hearing, ostensibly focused on the administration’s proposed 2027 military budget of a historic $1.5 trillion, saw Republicans largely supporting the Iran operation and focusing on financial details.
The moments Hegseth lost his nerve during Congress questions on the Iran war
Pictured: 'White phosphorous' explosions in Lebanon
10:30 , James Reynolds
Watch: Trump says he wouldn't call Iran conflict 'a war'
10:00 , James ReynoldsWhat is the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps?
09:28 , James ReynoldsThe elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were set up shortly after the 1979 revolution to protect the clerical ruling system.
The IRGC answers to the supreme leader of Iran. Its mandate to protect revolutionary values has prompted it to speak out against the government when it felt the system was threatened.
It also provides a counterweight to Iran’s professional army.
Before the war, the IRGC had an estimated 125,000-strong military with army, navy and air units. It also commands the Basij religious militia - a volunteer paramilitary force loyal to the clerical establishment that is often used to crack down on anti-government protests. And it oversees Iran’s ballistic missile programme - an issue in Washington’s sights.
The IRGC, branded a terrorist group by the United States, has sought for years to shape the Middle East, according to Iran's interests.
Its Quds Force influences allied militias across the Middle East, handling relations with Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, among others.
How Iran’s mosquito fleet is skirting Trump’s Strait of Hormuz blockade
09:00 , James ReynoldsSkirting around the vast oil tankers anchored patiently in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s “mosquito fleet” is locking down the critical waterway that is stuck under a double blockade.
The swarm of speedboats, seen as Tehran’s second navy, is now a serious concern for vessels seeking transit through the waterway, especially as these vessels are difficult to track and often carry weapons on board.
Here’s how Iran’s ‘mosquito fleet’ is causing havoc in the Strait of Hormuz:
How Iran’s mosquito fleet is skirting Trump’s Strait of Hormuz blockade
Analysis: Pete Hegseth looked bad in the House. He looks even worse in the Senate
08:38 , James ReynoldsWatching Hegseth try and answer these probing questions from restrained experts was like watching Buzz Lightyear realize he isn't really a spaceman, writes Holly Baxter:
Pete Hegseth looked bad in the House. He looks even worse in the Senate
Where are peace talks now?
08:00 , James ReynoldsThe United States and Iran have been held in a stalemate since Donald Trump said he would indefinitely extend an existing ceasefire agreement last month.
While the daily missile strikes have stopped, both sides maintain naval blockades around the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to squeeze the other’s economy for leverage in peace talks.
But talks to end the war have not happened since mid-April, and both sides remain at odds over key issues. Iran says the US must retract its blockade on Iranian trade for talks to restart, while the US says Iran cannot blockade international shipping.
This week, it emerged Iran was asking to decouple the contentious issue of its nuclear programme from talks to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The nuclear issue was cited among the reasons for starting the conflict, and Donald Trump publicly remains unmoved.
Now, attention has turned to reports the US is weighing a change in tactic, reopening the hot conflict with Iran to force its hand. Iran threatened yesterday that it would respond with "long and painful strikes" if the US does attack.
Watch: Trump says Iran can play world cup after Fifa confirmation
07:36 , James ReynoldsUS-Israel war on Iran risks food shortage in parts of Africa, head of world's largest fertiliser company says
07:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe CEO of the world’s largest fertiliser company Yara International has warned that the US-Israel war on Iran could drive up fertiliser prices and disrupt supplies, risking food shortages in parts of Africa.
With key inputs like urea and ammonia already becoming scarce and more expensive due to supply chain disruptions, especially from the Middle East, there are fears of a “global auction” where richer countries secure supplies while poorer nations are priced out.
“The most important thing we can do now is raise the alarm on what we are seeing right now – that there is a risk of a global auction on fertiliser that means it becomes unaffordable for those most vulnerable,” he said.
“Africa is actually quite well positioned to be a major food producer, not only for self-sufficiency, but even for exports to the rest of the world, but the reality is that they are massive food importers.
“But we need to be aware in this part of the world of the potential consequences that if we get to a global auction on food, there will not be a famine in Europe – but we need to be aware of who we are taking the food away from.”
Although shortages are not yet certain, experts say the situation could worsen quickly, particularly for African countries that rely heavily on imports and lack subsidies or strong reserves, leaving their farmers and food systems especially vulnerable.
Trump says U.S. has 'already won' in Iran but he wants to win by a 'bigger margin'
06:45 , Maroosha MuzaffarOn Thursday, President Donald Trump told Newsmax’s Greta Van Susteren that the U.S. has “already won” the war in Iran, but that he wants to continue the conflict to win by a “bigger margin.”
“We’ve already won, but I want to win by a bigger margin,” he said. “But we have. We have destroyed their navy, destroyed their air force, destroyed all of their — if you look at their anti-aircraft equipment, their radar equipment, their leadership, their leadership is destroyed.”
Trump continued, insisting that U.S. had “destroyed everything.”
“If we leave right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild if they ever could rebuild,” he said. “But it’s actually not good enough. We have to have guarantee they will never have a nuclear weapon.”
Bahrain’s decision to strip dozens of citizenship for ‘sympathising with Iran’ will set precedent, rights group warns
06:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarBahrain’s decision to strip dozens of its nationals of citizenship after accusing them of sympathising with Iran during the ongoing Middle East war will leave Shia Muslims with Iranian heritage at risk, a human rights group has warned.
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry announced on social media this week the 69 people whose citizenship have been revoked included accused individuals and their family members – an act that critics termed as “collective punishment”. They affected people are all of non-Bahraini origin.
The announcement came as the Gulf kingdom continues to navigate the fallout from the regional war triggered after Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran in February, and Tehran retaliated across the region.
Read more here:
Bahrain strips dozens of people of citizenship for ‘sympathising with Iran’
Trump says U.S. has 'already won' the war in Iran but he wants to win by a 'bigger margin'
06:15 , Maroosha MuzaffarIran is reportedly using the ceasefire to dig up its missiles and munitions
06:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarIran is reportedly using the ceasefire to excavate its weapons and munitions from beneath the rubble of buildings destroyed by U.S. bombings.
The report comes from an unnamed U.S. official and two other people familiar with the matter who spoke to NBC News.
Earlier in the month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon “knows” that Tehran is trying to dig up its buried munitions.
“While [the Iranian military is] digging out — which is exactly what you’re doing, digging out of bombed-out and devastated facilities — we are only getting stronger,” Hegseth said during an April 16 press briefing. “You are digging out your remaining launchers and missiles with no ability to replace them.”
Trump administration claims hostilities 'terminated' ahead of war powers deadline
06:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarA ceasefire between the United States and Iran that began in early April has effectively “terminated” hostilities for the purposes of an upcoming war powers deadline in Congress, a senior official from the Donald Trump administration said on Thursday.
Trump was facing a Friday deadline to either end the conflict or seek approval from US Congress to continue it, though the date was expected to pass without changing the course of the war.
“For war powers resolution purposes, the hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28, have terminated,” the official said, explaining the administration’s position, and noting that there has been no exchange of fire between US forces and Iran since the fragile ceasefire began more than three weeks ago.
Senator Elizabeth Warren: 'We’re spending $1 billion in taxpayer funds a day' on Iran war
05:46 , Maroosha MuzaffarSenator Elizabeth Warren criticized the continuing cost of the war in Iran on Thursday.
“13 Americans have been killed, and hundreds more are injured. We’re spending $1 billion in taxpayer funds a day. Gas is more than $4 per gallon. This is the cost of Trump's war,” she wrote.
President Donald Trump insisted on Wednesday that the price of gas will “drop like a rock” once the war in Iran concludes.
13 Americans have been killed, and hundreds more are injured.
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) April 30, 2026
We’re spending $1 billion in taxpayer funds a day.
Gas is more than $4 per gallon.
This is the cost of Trump's war.
"The gas will go down. As soon as the war is over, it'll drop like a rock,” he said. “There's so much of it. It's all over the place, sitting all over the oceans of the world."
Hegseth grilled in Congress over Iran war
05:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarPete Hegseth faced tough questioning in Congress over how the Iran war is being handled, including costs, civilian deaths, and military resources
He argued that the legal 60-day war limit doesn’t apply right now, saying: “We are in a cease fire right now, which our understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire.”
But Democratic senator Tim Kaine pushed back, saying: “I do not believe the statute would support that.”
Lawmakers raised concerns about civilian casualties after strikes hit places like schools, asking why protections were weakened.
Hegseth said the military has an “ironclad commitment” to avoid civilian deaths.
Iranian president says US blockade of ports ‘doomed to fail’
05:15 , Maroosha MuzaffarMasoud Pezeshkian said a US naval blockade on Iranian ports would deepen disruptions in the Gulf while failing to achieve its aims.
“Any attempt to impose a maritime blockade or restrictions is contrary to international law… and is doomed to fail,” Pezeshkian said in a statement.
Iran has enough enriched uranium for 10 nuclear bombs, says United Nations watchdog
04:56 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe majority of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is believed to remain at its Isfahan nuclear complex, a site that has endured airstrikes last year and further attacks during this year's US-Israeli conflict, according to the head of the UN nuclear agency.
Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated in an interview on Tuesday that the agency possesses satellite images illustrating the impact of the recent U.S.-Israeli airstrikes against Iran, and that "we continue to get information." IAEA inspections at Isfahan ceased in June 2025, when Israel initiated a 12-day war that saw the United States bomb three Iranian nuclear sites.
This stockpile could potentially enable Iran to construct as many as 10 nuclear bombs, should it choose to weaponize its program, Grossi told The Associated Press last year.
Read more here:
Iran has enough enriched uranium for ten nuclear bomb: UN
Trump receives high-level briefing on fresh military options against Iran - report
04:36 , Maroosha MuzaffarDonald Trump has reportedly received a high-level briefing from Centcom Commander Admiral Brad Cooper on new military options against Iran.
Plans under discussion include a “short and powerful” wave of strikes on Iranian infrastructure, a possible operation to take control of parts of the Strait of Hormuz to restore shipping, and even a special forces mission to secure Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, Axios reported.
Brad Cooper had given Trump a similar briefing on 26 February, just two days before the US and Israel launched their attack on Iran.
Briefing: What we know on the 63rd day of US-Israel war on Iran
04:04 , Maroosha Muzaffar- Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian calls the US “siege” of Iranian ports “intolerable”
- President Donald Trump says the US “might need” to restart the war and that “nobody knows what the talks are except myself and a couple of other people”
- UN watchdog says Iran has enough enriched uranium for up to 10 nuclear bombs if weaponised
- Senior Democrat accuses Pete Hegseth of misleading Donald Trump on the Iran war
- Bahrain revokes citizenship of dozens accused of pro-Iran sympathies