President Donald Trump has officially notified Congress that the United States has restarted "limited defensive strikes" targeting Iran, extending the administration's authority for another 60 days without immediate congressional approval, according to reports from RT citing Politico and the New York Times on Monday.
Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president is required to withdraw U.S. forces after 60 days unless Congress grants explicit authorization to continue military actions. In a letter dated last Friday obtained by the media outlets, Trump justified the renewed strikes as fulfilling his duty to safeguard American citizens and national interests both domestically and internationally.
Earlier this year, the House of Representatives sought to restrict Trump’s war powers, criticizing his lack of congressional consent for the February 28 U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran. The initial operation, known as Operation Epic Fury, was declared terminated in May following a ceasefire reached on April 7. However, that ceasefire and a memorandum of understanding signed between the U.S. and Iran on June 17 unraveled after fresh attacks reignited tensions last week, with both sides blaming each other for breaching the agreement.
On Monday, Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the U.S. is asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments that has been a focal point of conflict since the U.S. and Israel launched hostilities. He stated that Washington would impose a 20% tariff on all cargo passing through the strait, reinstate a blockade on Iranian ports, and prohibit vessels owned by Iran or its allies from transiting the area.
Why this matters
The resumption of U.S. military operations against Iran marks a significant escalation in tensions in the Middle East, threatening regional stability and global energy security. Control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large portion of the world's oil passes, could dramatically impact international markets and diplomatic relations.
This development also highlights ongoing debates over presidential war powers and the role of Congress in authorizing military actions abroad.
