WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress that U.S. military operations against Iran resumed on July 7, a move the administration says begins a new 60-day period under the War Powers Resolution during which the president can continue military action without additional congressional authorization.
In a letter dated July 10 and sent to congressional leaders, Trump said he ordered renewed military action after accusing Iran of violating commitments made during a ceasefire by attacking commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. He wrote that he directed the operations "consistent with my responsibility to protect Americans and United States' national security and foreign policy interests," according to the letter seen by Reuters.
The administration said U.S. forces carried out what it described as defensive strikes against targets in Iran, including missile launch sites, air defense systems, maritime military assets, command-and-control facilities and related support infrastructure following the alleged attacks on shipping.
The notification comes after a ceasefire that had paused months of fighting broke down and follows President Trump's public declaration that the truce had ended. The renewed operations have prompted renewed debate in Congress over presidential war powers, with some lawmakers questioning whether the administration's interpretation of the War Powers Resolution allows a new 60-day authorization period for an ongoing conflict.
As of publication, the administration has maintained that the notification complies with federal law governing military operations, while congressional debate over the scope of presidential authority remains ongoing. No additional changes to the legal status of the military campaign had been officially announced.
