Pakistan expects a new, renewed peace proposal from Iran within the day - Democratic Senator: An imminent military strike is very seriously on the table
As Trump weighs his options ahead of his critical visit to China on May 14–15, Iran continues to maintain a particularly tough stance. Tehran asserts that if it faces new American attacks, the response will be "painful and overwhelming". Reports indicate that both the Iranians and US forces deployed in the region have bolstered their arsenals and are on high alert, while Pakistan indicates it expects a renewed peace proposal from Tehran as early as today, May 1.
Amidst this chaotic atmosphere, the Straits of Hormuz remain closed and under full Iranian control, a fact that has led to a surge in international energy prices and intensified fears of a global economic recession.
Trump administration: No Congressional approval needed, the war ended before the 60-day deadline
The Trump administration maintains that the war with Iran "terminated" before the 60-day deadline required for Congressional approval. News agencies Associated Press and Reuters report that the administration claims the war has ended due to the ceasefire that began in early April, meaning the President does not need to seek authorization for further action.
Hostilities that began in February have "ended," a senior official told Reuters late Thursday. "Both sides agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, April 7, which has since been extended," the official stated, adding that there has been no exchange of fire between US and Iranian forces since that date. Under the War Powers Act of 1973, the US President can use armed forces abroad without approval for up to 60 days; based on this, Trump had until today, Friday, May 1, to seek authorization or cease hostilities.
The AP reports that Democrats have pressured Trump to seek formal approval, while the 60-day limit is seen as a turning point for many Republican lawmakers who supported temporary actions but insist on Congressional involvement for long-term engagement.
Democrats: Bypassing the law
Democrats view this administration statement as a "bypass of the law," arguing that as long as tensions and a significant military presence continue, the war has not truly ended. Democratic Congresswoman Sara Jacobs asserted that "Trump's war against Iran has been illegal since day one," noting that the legal deadline expires today, May 1. She called on Republicans to join Democrats in stopping the conflict and urged Senators to increase pressure on the administration.
What will Trump invoke if attacks resume?
If the Trump administration resumes attacks following this declaration, it may use several legal justifications. Primarily, it could argue that a new cycle of conflict is beginning; since the previous period is claimed to have ended, new strikes could be framed as the start of a fresh 60-day window.
Secondly, Trump could claim that new operations are conducted for self-defense or the defense of Israel. There is even the possibility of blaming Iran for an incident to provide necessary justification. Thirdly, he could limit the scale of operations—such as brief airstrikes or naval actions—to argue that it does not constitute an extended conflict. With Republicans controlling Congress, the likelihood of forcing a halt is slim, allowing the administration to frame actions as legal under the guise of self-defense.
Bruce Fein (US Analyst): Trump can "reset the clock"
The US President may be able to "reset the clock" on the war despite the War Powers Act. Bruce Fein, a constitutional and international law expert, told Al Jazeera that the 1973 law is "very inconsistent". He noted that a statute cannot override the US Constitution, which dictates that only Congress can authorize the transition from peace to war unless the country is under actual attack.
Fein described the conflict as a "criminal war of aggression against Iran," noting that Tehran did not attack the US. However, he warned of "loopholes," explaining that a President could claim a war has ended if bombing ceases for a short duration, thus restarting the 60-day timer. "Nowhere in the law is it defined when this timer starts and stops," Fein noted.
Trump weighs his options: "I want a big victory"
Trump is weighing his options as his trip to China approaches. US media reports suggest the upcoming visit may influence decision-making regarding the war with Iran. An anonymous White House official told NBC that the trip is a priority that the administration does not want to postpone again.
The New York Times reports that dual blockades in the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian ports complicate the situation ahead of the "high-stakes" visit. While Beijing wishes to play a "constructive role" in ending the war, the Trump administration has sanctioned Chinese refineries and shipping companies for trading Iranian oil. Like many neighbors, China imports much of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely closed since March.
Trump: Iran is "dying for a deal"...
Donald Trump, answering reporters' questions, appeared ambiguous regarding the resumption of attacks. "I don't know if we need it. Maybe we will," he said, suggesting the situation is fluid and depends on Tehran, which he claimed is "dying for a deal".
"We have already won, but I want a bigger victory," he stated, attempting to bolster the narrative of military success. Trump claimed US forces destroyed critical Iranian infrastructure, including naval and air capabilities. He reiterated that Iran will not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon and that gasoline prices—a key issue for the Republican Partybefore the November midterms—will "drop sharply" once the war ends.
Despite accusations of rights violations, Trump said he is "fine" with Iran participating in the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the United States. Options reportedly under consideration include using ground forces to seize part of the Strait to reopen it, expanding the blockade, or declaring a unilateral victory.
Richard Blumenthal (Democrats): The time for the "big decision" is near
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal told CNN that he has the impression from briefings that an "imminent military strike" is very seriously on the table. He called the prospect "deeply disturbing," as it could endanger American personnel and lead to "massive casualties".
"I cannot be more specific because I received several of these briefings in a classified context," Blumenthal said. He noted that the plan should not surprise anyone, as military leaders involved in the effort have been discussing it for some time.
Axios: Military leaders briefed Trump on new Iran plans
US military leaders have briefed President Trump on potential new plans regarding Iran. Axios reports that a 45-minute high-level briefing took place Thursday evening. US Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine presented Trump with new strategies for a potential resumption of action. These strategies focused on potential strikes as the administration considers its next steps.
Pakistan: We expect a new proposal from Iran
Pakistani mediators are awaiting a revised peace proposal from Iran after President Donald Trump rejected a previous version. Sources suggest an answer could be provided by Friday. Trump claimed that few besides himself know the status of talks, implying they are moving forward despite a public image of stagnation.
The President mentioned Wednesday that negotiations are taking place "by phone" and that his response depends on Iran's progress in limiting its nuclear program. Iran's previously rejected proposal called for opening the Strait of Hormuz before negotiating on nuclear issues.
Warning from Iran: Do not strike us, we will respond with painful blows
Iran stated Thursday it would respond with "long-term and painful strikes" against American positions if Washingtonresumes attacks. Tehran also reiterated its claim to the Strait of Hormuz, complicating US plans for an alliance to reopen the waterway.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said it is unrealistic to expect quick results from talks with the US. "Expecting an outcome in a short time... is not very realistic," he noted. A senior IRGC official added that any new US attack, even a limited one, would trigger retaliatory strikes against US positions in the region.
Shock message from Mousavi (IRGC): We will burn your ships as we burned your bases
Aerospace Force Commander Majid Mousavi launched new threats toward the US. "We have seen what happened to your regional bases; we will see the same happen to your warships," Mousavi asserted, referencing scenarios of intense American attacks.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei stated in a message to Iranians that Tehran would eliminate "enemy abuses in the waterway" under new management of the Strait. "Foreigners who come from thousands of kilometers away... have no place there except at the bottom of its waters," Khamenei’s message read.
NBC: Iran utilizes ceasefire to recover weapons
US media reports indicate that Iran is using the ceasefire to recover weapons previously hidden or buried under rubblefrom previous attacks. The Iranian government has intensified efforts to retrieve missiles and munitions hidden underground following US and Israeli airstrikes, according to NBC News.
The report states that US officials believe Iran aims to quickly restore its drone and missile capabilities. This would allow it to launch attacks across the Middle East should President Trump decide to resume military operations.
IRGC and Pezeshkian warn: Naval blockade is unbearable – Iran will react, US has crossed the red line
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and the IRGC sent a sharp message to the international community, denouncing the ongoing naval blockade as "unbearable". The Iranian leader emphasized that while Tehran has shown patience, the blockade is an extension of military operations against a sovereign state.
Pezeshkian stated that the Iranian people are paying the price of resistance and that the continuation of this policy is unacceptable. This stance suggests that the blockade is now considered a red line. Tehran's message is clear: it will not indefinitely accept pressures that harm its national dignity and sovereignty.
Ironic message to US: Good luck with the blockade
The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, sent an ironic response to Washington regarding the blockade. In a post on X, Ghalibaf used a geographical example, noting that even two "walls" crossing the United States would be shorter than Iran's borders.
The message was clear: Iran's geography makes a total siege nearly impossible. With sarcasm, the official addressed the US Defense Secretary, reinforcing the argument that the strategy of pressure has practical limits.
Strategic Culture: Trump negotiates from a position of weakness with Iran
President Donald Trump is negotiating with Iran from a position of weakness due to the excessive influence of Israel, writes journalist Martin Jay. He argues that Iran's proposal to open the Strait in exchange for lifting the blockade is logical.
However, the article claims Trump is under pressure from Israel, which views any concession as a defeat. The author suggests that Washington's position is burdened by the President's outdated view that the US is an overwhelming force while Iran is merely a secondary player.
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