Trump Notifies Congress of Resumed Military Action Against Iran

President Trump has officially informed Congress that military action against Iran restarted last week, ending a months-long ceasefire. In a letter dated July 10, the president notified Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley that hostilities "commenced on July 7."

The renewed military action came after Iran's attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. had previously declared a ceasefire in early April following earlier hostilities. The Trump administration stated that Iran's recent attacks violated a memorandum of understanding between the two countries, prompting the U.S. strikes.

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military action "commenced on July 7"

According to the notification, the strikes were "limited, measured, planned, and executed in a manner designed to minimize civilian casualties." The stated goal is to target Iranian military sites that pose a threat to U.S. forces and commercial shipping. The letter emphasized the U.S. remains postured to take further action if necessary to counter threats from Iran.

The notification to Congress is mandated by the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which requires the president to inform lawmakers within 48 hours of initiating military hostilities. While the Trump administration has previously argued that certain provisions of the law are unconstitutional, this formal notification signals a significant escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions.

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United States Armed Forces remain postured to take further action, as necessary and appropriate, to address further threats and attacks upon the United States or its allies and partners and to ensure the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran ceases being a threat to the United States and to our allies and partners