Trump notifies Congress as US resumes military action against Iran

Lawmakers could also seek a vote on whether to authorize or oppose further military action.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

President Donald Trump has told Congress that U.S. military operations against Iran are underway again, formally alerting lawmakers as questions return over whether continued action will require congressional authorization.

In a July 10 letter to Congress, Trump said “military action commenced” in the area, Punchbowl News reported.

Presidents are required under the War Powers Act to notify lawmakers within 48 hours of initiating a military attack.

The notice comes as the United States and Iran have traded military strikes over the past week and Trump has declared that the ceasefire between the countries is over.

The latest operations could prompt a new dispute over the War Powers Act’s limits.

Trump previously notified Congress of military action on March 2. The law permits U.S. forces to remain involved for 60 days following a presidential notification, with a possible 30-day extension.

Congressional approval is required for operations continuing beyond that period.

Both deadlines tied to the March notification have passed.

Whether the administration considers the latest strikes the start of a separate operation, potentially beginning a new 60-day period, remains unclear.

Lawmakers could also seek a vote on whether to authorize or oppose further military action.

Trump’s letter said no U.S. ground troops are in the area.

Utah Sen. John Curtis previously said Congress should become involved if U.S. forces remained engaged after the initial 60-to-90-day period.

Earlier this year, he told the Deseret News that the administration would have to “show intent to wind this thing down.” Otherwise, Curtis said he could consider legislation limiting Trump’s military authority.

Separately, U.S. Central Command said Monday that a naval blockade affecting maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports would resume this week. The blockade was lifted on June 18 and is scheduled to be restored Tuesday.

The congressional notification places the status of U.S. military operations back before lawmakers as the administration continues military action against Iran without formal congressional approval.