The notification followed a series of U.S. strikes against Iranian targets, ordered by Mr. Trump in response to recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities have maintained that ships must use approved routes and obtain permission before transiting the strait. In retaliation for the U.S. strikes, Iran launched missiles and drones at U.S.-allied Gulf states.
In his letter to Congress, the president described the recent military operations as limited, measured, and planned to minimize civilian casualties. The stated objective is to neutralize Iranian military installations that represent a threat to both U.S. forces and commercial shipping operations. The administration emphasized that U.S. Armed Forces remain prepared to take further action as necessary to address ongoing threats and ensure that the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran ceases to be a danger to the United States and its allies.
This development follows the initial U.S.-Iran conflict that began in late February. While the White House provided a notification to Congress at that time, the administration previously held the position that hostilities had terminated following the signing of a ceasefire in early April. Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, the president is required to notify Congress within 48 hours of initiating military hostilities. The resolution also limits such actions to 60 days unless Congress provides explicit authorization for the use of military force.
The Trump administration has consistently argued that the provisions of the War Powers Resolution are unconstitutional, though this stance has not been tested in court. Members of both parties have urged the president to seek formal congressional authorization for continued hostilities. Last month, both the House and Senate passed resolutions intended to limit the president's authority to conduct further military action against Iran without approval from Congress. Democrats have indicated they are evaluating legal options to compel compliance, while the president maintains he is acting under his constitutional authority.
Military action "commenced on July 7," the president said in a message dated July 10 and addressed to Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the Senate's president pro tempore.
