Iran activated its air defence systems over Tehran late Thursday to counter small aircraft and reconnaissance drones, while the White House signalled that it would not be bound by a congressional deadline requiring authorization for the war with Iran.
Iranian news agencies Tasnim and Fars reported that air defence systems were heard in parts of the capital and were activated for around 20 minutes to counter “small aircraft and reconnaissance drones”.
The reports said the situation later returned to “normal”.
The incident came as US President Donald Trump’s administration faced a War Powers Resolution deadline to either end hostilities with Iran or seek approval from Congress for continued military action.
A senior US official said hostilities that began on February 28 had been “terminated” after a ceasefire announced on April 7, arguing that the administration was no longer required to seek congressional authorization.
The administration’s position has created tension with Democratic lawmakers and legal experts, who argue that the War Powers Resolution does not allow the 60-day deadline to be paused by a ceasefire.
The law requires congressional approval for military operations after 60 days, unless US forces are withdrawn.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in a written statement, declared what he called a “humiliating defeat” for the United States and rejected Trump’s warning of a naval blockade.
He said Iran was in a stronger position in the crisis and praised Tehran’s control over the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since the death of his father Ali Khamenei, warned that those who intervene in the region would end up “at the bottom of the sea”.