U.S. President Donald Trump notified Congress in a formal letter that hostilities with Iran have resumed. The notification triggers a new 60-day period for the use of military force without congressional approval under the War Powers Act.
In his July 10 letter, Trump stated, "I directed this military action in accordance with my responsibility to protect Americans and U.S. national security and foreign policy interests." The president said hostile actions resumed on July 7.
The U.S. began attacking Iran alongside Israel on February 28. Trump claimed that Iran violated a memorandum of understanding signed on June 17 and that commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz were attacked. Following these claims, airstrikes against Iran were resumed. As clashes intensified, the U.S. reimposed its blockade on Iranian maritime traffic in the Gulf and announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open.
Authority Debate in Congress
Trump's move reignited the authority debate in Congress. The War Powers Act requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of initiating hostilities and mandates that military actions begun without congressional approval be terminated within 60 days.
The initial 60-day period for Iran expired on May 1. Trump argued that the ceasefire declared and extended on April 7 rendered that period inapplicable. Democrats and some Republicans said the administration misinterpreted the law. A senior House Democratic official who requested anonymity said, "The president cannot ignore a months-long war that he said would last only four to six weeks."
Congressional Withdrawal Resolution
The Senate and House of Representatives last month passed a resolution directing Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities in Iran. The vote, despite Republicans' narrow majorities in both chambers, reflected growing concerns over the months-long conflict.
After the vote, Trump issued a sharp statement accusing those who voted in favor of providing "comfort" to Iran and making his job "even harder."
