WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump alerted Congress to changes in the U.S. approach to Operation Epic Fury in a war powers letter sent Friday afternoon, according to a copy of the letter obtained by The Daily Wire.
The letter informs Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Chuck Grassley, president pro tempore of the United States Senate, of “changes in the posture of the United States Forces” in the Central Command Area of Responsibility, as part of the president’s efforts to “keep Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution.”
Trump reminded Congress that he reported to them on March 2 that the U.S. had begun Operation Epic Fury by conducting precision strikes against Iran on February 28.
NEW: President Donald Trump’s war powers letter alerting Congress to changes in the United States approach to Operation Epic Fury.
“Accordingly, the Department of War continues to update its force posture in the AoR in select countries, as necessary and appropriate, to address… pic.twitter.com/ch6bdl3VHd
— Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) May 1, 2026
“I ordered that operation consistent with my responsibility to protect Americans and United States interests at home and abroad, and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests,” the letter states.
“On April 7, 2026, I ordered a 2-week ceasefire,” Trump notes. “The ceasefire has since been extended. There has been no exchange of fire between United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026. The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.”
Though the United States has been successful in its operations against Iran, the letter notes, “the threat posed by Iran to the United States and our Armed Forces remains significant.”
The letter, by declaring that hostilities with Iran have been “terminated,” effectively sidestepped a May 1 deadline to seek congressional approval for the war Trump launched two months ago — preserving his ability to resume strikes without returning to Congress.
“Accordingly, the Department of War continues to update its force posture in the AoR in select countries, as necessary and appropriate, to address Iranian and Iranian proxy forces’ threats and to protect the United States and its allies and partners,” the letter continues. “These changes are more fully outlined in the classified attachment to this letter. I have and will continue to direct United States Armed Forces consistent with my responsibilities and pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct United States foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive.”
Trump concludes the letter by promising to update Congress on any “noteworthy changes,” consistent with the War Powers Resolution.
The letter was made public amid murmurs that the president may resume strikes against Iran, which has submitted a new proposal for negotiations with the United States through Pakistani mediators, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
The move comes after President Trump rejected a previous offer and extended the ceasefire indefinitely, citing internal divisions within the Iranian government that have delayed consensus on a deal.
Iran is using the current ceasefire with the United States to recover weapons and rebuild its capabilities, according to NBC News, citing U.S. officials. The report says Iranian forces have intensified efforts to dig out missiles, drones, and other munitions that were hidden underground or buried beneath debris following U.S. and Israeli strikes.
U.S. officials reportedly believe Tehran is trying to quickly restore its missile and drone capabilities in case fighting resumes, allowing it to launch attacks across the Middle East if necessary.
Trump shared Friday afternoon that Iran has offered a new proposal to the United States to end the war. But the president is not satisfied with the terms that Iran offered.
“We just had a conversation with Iran,” the president told reporters Friday as he prepared to depart the White House on Marine One, headed to Florida. “Let’s see what happens, but I would say that I’m not happy.”
“They’ve got to come up with the right deal,” he added. “At this moment, I’m not satisfied with what they’re offering.”
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