President Donald Trump has officially notified Congress that hostilities with Iran resumed on July 7. The White House claims this marks the beginning of a new 60-day period during which military operations can continue without congressional approval.
Reuters reported on July 13 that Trump sent a related letter to Congress on July 10.
In the letter, Trump stated that Iran violated the ceasefire agreement signed on June 17 by attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the resumption of airstrikes.
This notification is in accordance with the U.S. War Powers Act, which requires the president to report to Congress within 48 hours of initiating military action without approval. If Congress does not grant approval, operations must generally conclude within 60 days.
The White House argues that since the conflict restarted on July 7, the 60-day countdown should be recalculated from that date. The U.S. began its attacks on Iran in coordination with Israel on February 28, and the initial 60-day period expired on May 1.
Trump maintains that the previous hostilities ended with a ceasefire in April, rendering the initial deadline no longer applicable. However, some Democratic and Republican lawmakers counter that military actions, including the blockade of Iranian ports, continued during the ceasefire.
Last month, both the House and Senate passed resolutions urging Trump to withdraw U.S. troops from hostilities with Iran. The resolutions passed despite the Republican majority in both chambers, reflecting growing congressional concern over the protracted conflict in Iran.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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