By Patricia Zengerle
Washington, July 13 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress that U.S. hostilities against Iran resumed on July 7, a move his administration interprets as opening a fresh 60‑day window to conduct military operations in the region without legislative approval.
“I directed this military action in line with my constitutional duty to protect American lives and safeguard U.S. national security and foreign‑policy interests,” Trump said in the letter, dated July 10, which was obtained by Reuters on Monday.
The letter details several actions, including a two‑week cease‑fire ordered on April 7 that was later extended, and the administration’s attempts to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the broader conflict.
The United States, together with Israel, began strikes against Iranian targets on February 28.
Trump referred to a memorandum of understanding signed with Iran on June 17, asserting that Iran breached the agreement by attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This violation prompted him to authorize renewed strikes against the Islamic Republic.
As the fighting escalated, Trump said on Monday, the United States would re‑impose its blockade of Iranian shipping in the Gulf and ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international traffic.
The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the exclusive authority to declare war. Presidents have, however, historically claimed the power to order limited military engagements without congressional consent to protect national security.
WAR POWERS ACT
The War Powers Resolution mandates that the president notify Congress within 48 hours of initiating hostilities and requires that any military action taken without congressional approval be terminated within 60 days.
In the case of Iran, the first 60‑day period expired on May 1. Trump’s administration argued that the deadline did not apply because the president had declared the hostilities terminated by a cease‑fire, even though attacks continued and U.S. forces maintained a blockade of Iranian ports.
Democrats and Republican critics of the ongoing campaign contend that the administration is misreading the law.
“The president cannot simply wish away months of war he once said would last only four to six weeks,” a senior Democratic aide in the House of Representatives said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Both the Senate and the House approved a resolution last month directing Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran, despite the slim Republican majorities in the chambers.
The votes highlighted mounting legislative concern over the protracted conflict.
In response, Trump criticized those who supported the resolution, accusing them of offering “comfort” to Iran and complicating his efforts.
(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani )
