After nearly 6 weeks of the US-Israel-Iran war, America has decided to step back. Following this, countries around the world, including Gulf nations, are feeling relieved.
SNPNEWS.IN News (International): On 28 February, America, along with Israel, launched attacks under Operation Epic Fury and Roaring Lion. During these attacks, large-scale bombing and missile strikes were carried out on Iran’s capital, Tehran. In these attacks, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several officials, leaders and (Hundreds of schoolgirls) were killed. After Ayatollah’s death, US President Donald Trump claimed regime change in Iran and took credit for the victory.
Shortly after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death, Iran carried out massive drone and missile attacks on Gulf countries and Israel, causing heavy destruction. Iran also decided to close the Strait of Hormuz, which triggered a global energy crisis (as nearly one-fourth of the world’s crude oil and LNG passes through this strait to Asia and Europe).
In response to Iran’s counterattacks, the US and Israel continued targeting Iran’s security forces and leaders with missile strikes, almost eliminating Iran’s top leadership. Israel targeted Iran’s South Pars Gas Field and several energy plants, iron production units, and cement manufacturing facilities. This caused massive economic losses to Iran.
In retaliation, Iran targeted Israel’s energy production plants, chemical plants, and other installations, as well as American bases and oil/gas facilities in Gulf countries. This resulted in billions of dollars in losses for both the Gulf countries and America.
Due to increasing international pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and after NATO countries refused to provide support to America and Israel in the war, US President Donald Trump issued a 10+5-day ultimatum to Iran on 19 March 2026. While threatening to destroy Iran’s energy plants, ports, and oil facilities, Trump warned during a ‘Board of Peace’ meeting in Washington that Iran must either sign a new agreement or reopen the Strait of Hormuz, otherwise it would face serious consequences.
When Iran did not accept the conditions, Trump gave a final 48-hour ultimatum on 4 April, warning of “hell will rain down.” Just two hours before this deadline expired, Trump agreed to a 2-week ceasefire through Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Israel carried out a major attack on Lebanon, resulting in hundreds of deaths. Iran then refused the ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which created obstacles in the peace process. Under American pressure, Israel signaled a halt to major attacks on Lebanon (Hezbollah) and reduction of tension on the border. After this, talks between America and Iran began.
Read this: Doomsday: Trump threatens to destroy Iran.
On 23 April, Trump extended the ceasefire until 7 May and expressed hope for an agreement.
On 5 May, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Operation Epic Fury (the main military campaign that began on 28 February) has ended, and its objectives (destroying Iran’s missile capabilities, navy, and defense bases) have been achieved. He clearly stated that America is now moving to a new phase (Project Freedom — defensive operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz).
The Trump administration and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have declared that the war has been “terminated,” especially to avoid the War Powers Resolution (the law requiring Congressional approval within 60 days). They have presented it as a victory for their “Peace Through Strength” policy.
Earlier, on 1 May, President Donald Trump wrote a letter to the US Congress declaring that “The hostilities… have terminated.” He cited the ceasefire that began on 7 April as the basis for this.
The main purpose of the President’s letter was to avoid the restrictions of the War Powers Resolution (60-day limit).
Read More-:Trump’s Ceasefire Claims, Attacks Continue from both sides.
About the War Powers Resolution (1973)
This law was passed by Congress on 7 November 1973 by overriding President Richard Nixon’s veto. It was created after the Vietnam War (1960s–1970s), during which Presidents (especially Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon) conducted prolonged military operations without Congressional approval.
Congress made this law to strengthen its constitutional powers (the power to declare war) and to maintain oversight and balance over the President’s military authority.
Key Provisions:
● 48-hour Notification: The President must submit a detailed written report to Congress within 48 hours of introducing forces into hostilities.
● 60-day Deadline: The President can keep forces in combat for a maximum of 60 days without Congressional approval. After that, forces must be withdrawn unless Congress specifically authorizes continuation.
● 30-day Extension: The President can extend it by 30 days (total 90 days) for security reasons.
● Congressional Override: Congress can pass a concurrent resolution (by vote in both houses) to force the withdrawal of forces. The President cannot veto this resolution.
Almost every US President has called this law unconstitutional and has not fully complied with it.
On 4 May, President Donald Trump announced Project Freedom to secure the passage of commercial vessels (around 1,600+) stuck due to Iran’s blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. America presented it as a “humanitarian mission.”
On 4 May 2026 (Monday), the US deployed guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and thousands of troops. Two US-flagged vessels successfully passed, but there were clashes with Iranian speedboats (US sank 6–7 Iranian boats) and Iran also launched missile/drone attacks.
On 5 May 2026 (Tuesday night), Trump announced that Project Freedom has been paused for a “short period” due to “great progress” in the deal with Iran.
America and Iran are now close to a one-page memorandum deal. Iran has given a new proposal, which Trump is considering, though he has said he is “not fully satisfied.” America has ended the offensive phase and shifted focus to diplomatic and economic pressure.