Trump Informs Congress U.S. Is at War with Iran, Gains 60 Days for Military Action

President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress that the United States is engaged in military actions against Iran, a move that grants him an extended period to conduct operations without immediate congressional authorization. In a letter to lawmakers, Trump stated that the U.S. military actions, which began on July 7, are consistent with his responsibility to safeguard American citizens and interests both domestically and abroad.

This notification effectively allows the Trump administration to continue military operations for up to 60 days without seeking further approval from Congress. The letter also asserts that U.S. forces remain prepared to take additional actions if necessary to counter threats from Iran and to prevent the Iranian government from posing a danger to the United States and its allies.

The declaration comes after Trump had previously indicated that a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, which had been in effect since April 7, was no longer valid. This suggests that a preliminary agreement to end the conflict, signed in June, is also considered defunct by the U.S. president. Despite these escalations, U.S. administration officials have maintained that the two nations have not returned to a full-scale conflict.

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actions of the United States are being conducted pursuant to my authority as President and Commander in Chief, in accordance with my responsibility to protect Americans and United States interests, both at home and abroad.

This situation follows a period of fluctuating U.S. policy toward Iran. In May, Trump had informed Congress that a war initiated in February had concluded, and the April ceasefire was extended indefinitely. However, some lawmakers expressed skepticism, noting the continued U.S. military presence and activity in the Middle East, including the blockade of Iranian ports.

Further complicating the situation, Trump announced on July 13 that the blockade of Iranian ports would be reinstated and that the U.S. would begin charging a 20% fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, intended as compensation for ensuring security in the waterway. The U.S. has been conducting attacks on Iranian targets for three consecutive nights, prompting retaliatory attacks from Iran against U.S. military assets in Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait, as well as against vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

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armed forces of the United States remain prepared to take further action if necessary and appropriate to respond to further threats and attacks directed at the United States or its allies and partners and to bring about an end to the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran's ongoing support for international terrorism.