Trump notified Congress of renewed military operations against Iran

President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress that U.S. military operations against Iran resumed on July 7, a move that his administration argues resets the 60-day clock for continued action without fresh congressional authorization under the War Powers Resolution.

In a two-page letter dated July 10 and addressed to congressional leaders, Trump informed lawmakers that “military action commenced” on July 7, with U.S. forces delivering “defensive strikes against targets within Iran”. The notification was submitted, Trump wrote, “as part of my efforts to keep the Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution”.

“I directed this military action consistent with my responsibility to protect Americans and United States’ national security and foreign policy interests,” the president stated in the letter.

Strikes Described as ‘Limited and Measured’

Trump emphasized that U.S. ground forces are not involved in the operations. “These strikes are limited, measured, planned and executed in a manner designed to minimize civilian casualties,” he wrote.

U.S. Central Command has reported that American forces struck more than 300 Iranian military targets over the past week, targeting coastal defense systems, missile and drone sites across six locations. The strikes came in retaliation for Tehran’s attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Legal Battle Over War Powers Clock

The notification reignites a fierce legal and constitutional debate between the White House and Capitol Hill regarding the president’s authority to continue military action without congressional approval.

Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of introducing U.S. forces into hostilities. Military action undertaken without congressional authorization must generally end within 60 days unless lawmakers approve its continuation.

The first 60-day deadline for the Iran conflict would have expired on May 1. However, Trump had previously notified lawmakers in May that the war launched in February had “terminated” after a ceasefire took effect on April 7. The administration has argued this stopped the war powers clock.

Democrats and some Republicans contend the administration is misreading the law. “The president can’t just wish away months of war he said would last only four to six weeks,” a senior House Democratic aide told Reuters.

Ceasefire Collapse

The renewed military action follows the collapse of a months-long ceasefire. Trump had ordered a two-week ceasefire on April 7, which was later extended as his administration pursued a diplomatic solution. The U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17.

However, Trump alleged that Tehran violated the agreement by attacking commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz between July 6 and 7. He declared the ceasefire “over” last week, and the U.S. has since launched multiple rounds of strikes.

Escalating Tensions

Trump further escalated pressure on Monday, announcing the reinstatement of the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. In a Truth Social post, he declared: “The U.S.A. will be, from this point forward, known as ‘THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT,’ but as such, and as a matter of FAIRNESS, will be reimbursed, at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped”.

Iran has retaliated by attacking Bahrain and two UAE-linked tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one crew member and injuring eight others.

“United States Armed Forces remain postured to take further action, as necessary and appropriate, to address further threats and attacks upon the United States or its allies and partners,” Trump’s letter stated.

Congressional Opposition

Both the House and Senate passed war powers resolutions last month directing Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran without congressional authorization. The Senate voted 50-48, with four Republicans joining Democrats.

Trump responded by accusing supporters of the resolution of providing “comfort” to Iran and making his job “more difficult”. He has also announced he will deliver a televised address to the nation on Thursday evening.

The president has scheduled a news conference for 2 p.m. Tuesday to address the renewed conflict.