Pakistan, May 1 -- The United States has said that its conflict with Iran has effectively ended, a move seen as helping the Trump administration avoid congressional approval requirements. The statement comes amid ongoing political debate over war powers and military authority. The issue has intensified divisions in Washington.

An unnamed US official said that the ceasefire in the Iran conflict means hostilities have formally concluded. The administration argues that no active fighting has taken place since the truce began. This position removes the need for congressional authorization under war powers rules.

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Moreover, the decision comes as the deadline for congressional review of military...