WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress that U.S. military action against Iran resumed on July 7, arguing that renewed hostilities began after the collapse of a ceasefire and triggered a new 60-day period under the War Powers Resolution during which U.S. forces may continue operations without additional congressional authorization.
In a letter dated July 10 and delivered to congressional leaders, Trump said he ordered renewed military action "consistent with my responsibility to protect Americans and United States' national security and foreign policy interests." The administration said the renewed operations followed what it described as Iran's violation of a June 17 memorandum of understanding by attacking commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The notification fulfills the reporting requirement of the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which requires presidents to inform Congress within 48 hours after introducing U.S. armed forces into hostilities. The administration contends that the resumption of fighting established a new statutory 60-day period before congressional authorization would be required for continued military operations.
According to the letter, Trump previously ordered a ceasefire on April 7 that was later extended while the administration pursued a diplomatic settlement with Tehran. The White House argues that the ceasefire ended the earlier phase of the conflict before military operations resumed this month.
The administration's legal interpretation has drawn criticism from some lawmakers in both parties, who argue that the renewed notification does not reset the War Powers timetable for what they consider an ongoing conflict. Senator Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, announced a new War Powers resolution seeking to require congressional approval for continued military operations, saying the administration's position "has no foundation in law."
The renewed notification comes after Trump declared the ceasefire over and authorized additional strikes on Iranian targets. The administration has also announced the reinstatement of a U.S. blockade targeting Iranian shipping, citing security concerns and the need to protect maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the authority to declare war, while successive administrations have maintained that presidents possess constitutional authority to conduct limited military operations to protect U.S. interests. The latest notification is expected to intensify debate in Congress over the scope of executive war powers as military operations against Iran continue.
