Trump notifies Congress of resumption of military operations against Iran - Sarmad

US President Donald Trump sent a formal notification to Congress stating that combat operations against Iran resumed on July 7, a message his administration views as opening a new 60-day window for the use of military force in the region without congressional approval.

Trump wrote in the letter, dated July 10 and seen by Reuters on Monday, “I issued directives for this military operation in accordance with my responsibility to protect Americans and the national security of the United States and the interests of its foreign policy.”

The letter detailed the steps taken by Trump, including issuing an order for a two-week ceasefire on April 7, which was later extended, and his administration’s efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

The United States began cooperating with Israel in attacking Iran on February 28.

Trump referenced the memorandum of understanding he signed with Iran on June 17, stating that Iran violated it by attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting him to order new strikes against the Islamic Republic.

As the conflict intensified, Trump said on Monday that the United States would reimpose a blockade on Iranian ports and ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open.

The US Constitution stipulates that only Congress, not the president, has the power to declare war. However, US presidents have frequently asserted their right to order short-term military operations without legislative approval to safeguard US security.

The War Powers Resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of commencing any hostilities and stipulates that any military action begun without congressional approval must be terminated within 60 days.

Regarding Iran, the first deadline was originally set for May 1, but the Republican president said the law does not apply in this case because combat operations had already ceased due to the ceasefire, despite ongoing attacks and the imposition of a US blockade on Iranian ports.

Democrats and Republicans opposing the war argue that the administration is misinterpreting the law.

A senior Democratic aide in the House of Representatives, who requested anonymity, said, “The president cannot simply ignore the continuation of the war for months after stating it would last only four to six weeks.”

Additionally, both the Senate and the House passed a resolution last month directing Trump to withdraw US forces from combat operations against Iran, despite the Republican Party’s narrow majority in both chambers.

The voting results reflected growing concern over the months-long conflict.

Trump strongly criticized the vote outcome, accusing those who voted for the resolution of offering a “concession” to Iran and making his mission “more difficult.”