Trump notifies Congress of resuming military operations against Iran, opening a 60-day window.
Trump notifies Congress of resuming military operations against Iran, opening a 60-day window.
2026-07-14
Shafaq News – Washington
Reuters news agency revealed on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump sent a formal notification to Congress stating that hostilities against Iran would resume on July 7, a message his administration believes opens a new 60-day window for the use of military force in the region without congressional approval.
Trump said in the letter: “I directed this military operation in accordance with my responsibility to protect Americans, the national security of the United States, and its foreign policy interests.”
The letter included details of the actions taken by Trump, including issuing an order for a two-week ceasefire on April 7, which was extended, and his administration’s efforts to reach a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
The United States, in cooperation with Israel, had begun attacking Iran on February 28th.
Trump referred to the memorandum of understanding he signed with Iran on June 17, and said that Iran violated it by attacking commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which prompted him to order new strikes against the Islamic Republic.
As the conflict intensifies, Trump said on Monday that the United States would reimpose a blockade on Iranian ports and ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remains open.
The U.S. Constitution stipulates that only Congress, not the president, has the power to declare war. However, U.S. presidents have frequently asserted their right to order short-term military operations without congressional approval in order to protect U.S. security.
The War Powers Act requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of the commencement of any hostilities, and stipulates that any military action initiated without congressional approval must be terminated within 60 days.
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