President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress that the United States has resumed military operations against Iran, triggering a 60-day countdown under the War Powers Act.
The move follows a new wave of U.S. strikes targeting Iranian military sites after Washington accused Tehran of attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, despite an earlier agreement aimed at reducing tensions.
War Powers Clock Now Running
In a letter sent to Congress on July 10, Trump said he ordered military action after Iran allegedly targeted neutral commercial ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.
Under the War Powers Act, presidents must notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying U.S. forces into hostilities. Lawmakers now have 60 days to either authorize the military campaign or require it to end.
Trump described the operation as “limited” and “measured,” stressing that no U.S. ground troops were involved.
U.S. Says Strikes Target Military Threats
According to the letter, the strikes are intended to reduce Iran’s military capabilities, protect American forces stationed in the region and safeguard commercial shipping through one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.
U.S. Central Command said American forces have carried out three consecutive nights of strikes, targeting military infrastructure following attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The administration also reinstated sanctions on Iranian oil exports as part of its broader response.
Trump Announces New Strait Policy
Trump also announced a major shift in U.S. policy toward the Strait of Hormuz, saying Washington will reinstate a blockade on Iran while protecting international shipping.
He added that the U.S. intends to recover the costs of securing the waterway by collecting a 20% fee on cargo passing through the strait, describing the plan as reimbursement for maintaining safe navigation.
Iran has rejected any U.S. role in controlling the strategic waterway and insists it retains authority over the passage.
Global Markets Watching Closely
The renewed military action has increased concerns about global energy supplies.
Oil prices climbed sharply following the latest escalation as investors weighed the possibility of further disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a route that normally carries around 20% of the world’s oil shipments.
With military operations continuing and Congress now formally notified, lawmakers will ultimately decide whether the U.S. campaign against Iran should continue beyond the next two months.
