Hakeem Jeffries says Trump's 2-week Iran ceasefire ‘insufficient,’ calls for permanent end to war

Hakeem Jeffries urged that Democrats demand the House be brought back into session to pass a resolution to end war in Iran
PUBLISHED APR 8, 2026
Jeffries raised concerns about Trump’s overall approach to the conflict with Iran (Getty Images)
Jeffries raised concerns about Trump’s overall approach to the conflict with Iran (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Hakeem Jeffries said that the short-term ceasefire with Iran just announced by President Donald Trump is not enough to end the conflict.

Jeffries stated that a two-week ceasefire does not address the larger issues associated with the ongoing war, and he called for a complete end to the fighting. US political leaders are responding to Trump's announcement of a limited agreement to ease regional tensions with these comments.

Jeffries calls ceasefire inadequate, calls for lasting solution

Reacting to the proposed pause in fighting, Jeffries said that a temporary ceasefire does not provide long-term stability.



On Tuesday’s broadcast of CNN’s ‘AC360,’ House Minority Leader Rep Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) stated that the two-week Iran ceasefire “is insufficient.”

We need a permanent end” to the war and also said that Iran having control of the Strait of Hormuz “would be an extraordinary outcome, but not surprising, given the fact that what we’ve seen from Donald Trump is that he’s plunged America into this war without a plan."

According to reports, Trump’s ceasefire proposal was tied to conditions involving reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.

Jeffries said, “Well, a two-week ceasefire is insufficient. We need a permanent end to Donald Trump’s reckless war of choice, which is why House Democrats have demanded that Speaker Rep Mike Johnson (R-LA) immediately reconvene the House back into session so we can move a war powers resolution that will end this conflict permanently.”

President Donald Trump pretends to aim a sniper gun while speaking with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
President Donald Trump pretends to aim a sniper gun while speaking with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

He also indicated that House Democrats are expected to push for legislative action aimed at ending the conflict, including efforts to pass a war powers resolution that would limit continued military engagement.

Concerns raised over Trump’s approach to Iran

In addition to questioning the ceasefire, Jeffries raised concerns about Trump’s overall approach to the conflict with Iran.

“Well, it would be an extraordinary outcome, but not surprising, given the fact that what we’ve seen from Donald Trump is that he’s plunged America into this war, that now involves more than a dozen countries."

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries answers questions during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol February 12, 2026 in Washington, DC. Jeffries answered questions on a range of topics including the potential for a partial governmental shutdown beginning tomorrow. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries answers questions during a press conference at the US Capitol February 12, 2026 in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

“Without any plan, any objective, and any exit strategy in terms of how, actually, this conflict improves the national security of the American people.”

He argued that the situation requires a more comprehensive approach to avoid further escalation.

“What we do know is that, as a result of Donald Trump’s reckless war of choice, life has become more dangerous for the American people, and life has become more expensive."

"As a result of gas prices skyrocketing across the country, further exacerbating an affordability crisis that [is] crushing everyday Americans, middle-class Americans, and working-class Americans throughout the land.”

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Jeffries warned that decisions made during the conflict could impact control and access to such routes, raising concerns about long-term implications for international trade and security.

RELATED TOPICS US STRIKES IRAN

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Former congresswoman joins ‘Butler Truthers’ as GOP accuses FBI of 2024 shooting cover-up
1 hour ago
Speaking at an international gathering, Tim Walz accused the president of leading the US into conflict without a clear objective or exit plan
1 hour ago
VP deputy press sec exits to launch firm as Carlson calls Khamenei strike ‘disgusting and evil’
2 hours ago
Iran asserted control over the Strait as tensions escalated, repeating its position despite concerns about global oil supply
2 hours ago
Trump signed a short-term extension to keep the surveillance program running, averting a lapse and giving lawmakers time to negotiate a long-term deal
2 hours ago
US leaders reviewed military and economic options as Iran-linked activity escalated, signaling readiness for multiple scenarios if tensions persisted
3 hours ago
Graham called for expanded enforcement measures and rejected pressure tied to the Strait of Hormuz, framing the situation as a test of US resolve
5 hours ago
Tehran signals openness to talks but insists on control of Hormuz as ceasefire tensions simmer
6 hours ago
Trump vows to crush blockade threats, cites 47 years of Iran aggression, teases ‘massive’ update
7 hours ago
A court scheduled a June hearing on the White House expansion, where judges will decide whether construction will continue or face renewed limits
7 hours ago