Trump Notifies Congress of Renewed Iran Conflict, Triggering New 60-Day War Powers Clock

US President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress that military hostilities against Iran resumed on July 7, a move the administration views as triggering a new 60-day period during which the president can continue military operations without seeking fresh congressional authorisation. The notification, contained in a letter dated July 10 and reviewed by Reuters, outlines the administration's justification for renewed military action amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.

In the letter, Trump said he had ordered the military action in line with his constitutional responsibilities to safeguard American citizens and protect the United States' national security and foreign policy interests. "I directed this military action consistent with my responsibility to protect Americans and United States' national security and foreign policy interests," the president wrote. The notification serves as a formal update to lawmakers under the US War Powers Resolution, which requires the president to inform Congress when American armed forces are engaged in hostilities.

The letter also provides a timeline of the administration's recent efforts to manage the conflict. Trump said he had ordered a two-week ceasefire beginning on April 7, which was later extended in an attempt to create space for diplomatic negotiations. According to the administration, Washington continued pursuing a negotiated settlement even as military tensions remained high. The document further notes that the United States had been conducting military operations against Iran alongside Israel since February 28.

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Trump also referred to a memorandum of understanding signed with Iran on June 17, describing it as part of efforts to reduce hostilities through diplomatic engagement. However, he alleged that Tehran violated the agreement by attacking commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime trade routes. The alleged attacks, according to the administration, prompted the decision to resume military strikes against Iranian targets.

As the conflict intensified, Trump announced on Monday that the United States would reinstate its blockade of Iranian shipping in the Gulf. He also pledged that American forces would ensure the Strait of Hormuz remained open to international commercial traffic. The narrow waterway is a critical global energy corridor through which a significant share of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes. Any disruption to shipping in the region has the potential to affect global energy markets and international trade.

The renewed hostilities have heightened concerns over the risk of a broader regional conflict involving Iran, the United States and its allies. The administration maintains that its military operations are intended to protect freedom of navigation, deter further attacks on commercial shipping and safeguard US strategic interests in the Middle East. Iran has not immediately responded publicly to the contents of Trump's letter.

The latest developments are expected to intensify political debate in Washington over the scope of presidential war powers and the role of Congress in authorising prolonged military engagements. While the administration argues that the notification satisfies legal requirements under the War Powers Resolution, lawmakers from both parties are likely to closely scrutinise the justification for continued military action. Meanwhile, global markets and regional governments remain on alert as diplomatic efforts continue alongside the escalating conflict in one of the world's most volatile regions.

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