Trump Rejects Iran Peace Offer as Ceasefire Holds, War Powers Dispute Intensifies

A ceasefire established three and a half weeks ago is still holding, even as President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s latest proposal to end the war between the countries.

Speaking Friday in West Palm Beach, Florida, President Trump described the Iranian leadership as “quite brutal people,” adding, “I will tell you we’re doing very well.”

Despite ongoing hostilities, the president told Congress in a letter that the US is not in a war, stating that the hostilities that began in late February have terminated. His remarks came as the US marks 60 days of military action against Iran—a point at which lawmakers are required to approve operations under the War Powers Resolution.

“Most people consider it totally unconstitutional,” President Trump said. “Also, we had a ceasefire, so that gives you additional time.”

But congressional Democrats and a war powers expert say that is not accurate. “There is nothing in the War Powers Resolution’s text or design that suggests that the clock can be paused,” one expert noted. “Instead, that clock ran out on May 1st.”

Meanwhile, gas prices continue to rise, averaging over $6 a gallon in California, due to a continuing chokehold in the Strait of Hormuz. “It’s like the grocery store — keep going up and up and up,” one resident said.

President Trump says prices will quickly drop when the war ends, but when that will happen remains uncertain.

Separately, the Pentagon is withdrawing 5,000 US troops from Germany. Defense officials characterize the move as retaliation for the country’s lack of assistance in Iran.