‘Responsibility To Save Americans’: Trump Notifies US Congress Of Renewed Military Action Against Iran

Published 14 July 2026 · us

‘Responsibility To Save Americans’: Trump Notifies US Congress Of Renewed Military Action Against Iran Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 10:54 IST According to

‘Responsibility To Save Americans’: Trump Notifies US Congress Of Renewed Military Action Against Iran Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 10:54 IST According to the letter, Trump had announced a two-week ceasefire on April 7, which was later extended while the US pursued a diplomatic solution with Iran. Rapid Read US President Donald Trump in Ankara at NATO summit. (AFP photo) US-Iran War: US President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress that hostilities against Iran resumed on July 7,with his administration arguing that the move opens a fresh 60-day period under the War Powers Resolution during which US forces can continue military operations without new congressional approval. In a letter dated July 10, as obtained by news agency Reuters, Trump said that he ordered renewed military action after Iran allegedly violated a ceasefire agreement by attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. “I directed this military action consistent with my responsibility to protect Americans and United States’ national security and foreign policy interests," Trump said in the letter.

According to the letter, Trump had announced a two-week ceasefire on April 7, which was later extended while Washington pursued a diplomatic solution with Tehran. He also referred to a memorandum of understanding signed with Iran on June 17, alleging that Iran breached the agreement by targeting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Washington to resume military operations. The US President also announced that the United States was reinstating its blockade of Iranian shipping in the Gulf and would continue efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. The latest round of US strikes targeted Iranian coastal defence systems, missile sites and drone facilities, while Iran retaliated by attacking vessels linked to Bahrain and the UAE in the strategic waterway. Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the US President must notify Congress within 48 hours of introducing American forces into hostilities, while military action without congressional approval generally cannot continue beyond 60 days.

With Iran, the first 60-day deadline was May 1, but Trump said that it did not apply because he declared the hostilities had been terminated by the ceasefire, even as attacks continued and US forces blockaded Iranian ports. Democrats and Republican opponents of the ongoing war said the administration was misinterpreting the law. “The president can’t just wish away months of war he said would last only four to six weeks," a senior House of Representatives Democratic aide said, commenting on condition of anonymity. Last month, both the House of Representatives and the Senate passed a War Powers resolution directing Trump to withdraw US forces from hostilities with Iran without congressional authorisation. The votes reflected growing concern over the prolonged conflict, although Trump dismissed supporters of the resolution, accusing them of making his job “more difficult" and providing “comfort" to Iran. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news.