Trump Formally Notifies Congress of Renewed Iran War, Opening 60-Day Window for Military Action

President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress that the US has reentered a state of war with Iran.

Politico reported July 13 that Trump, in a July 10 letter to Congress, described airstrikes against Iran that began July 7 as "military action consistent with the responsibility to protect Americans and US interests at home and abroad."

The notification followed Trump's declaration that the two-month truce between the US and Iran had officially ended. Until then, the administration had maintained that full-scale war had not resumed despite continuing clashes between the two countries.

Tensions have escalated again as the US and Iran traded airstrikes and retaliatory attacks over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has voiced frustration that a peace agreement with Iran has not been reached and has also mentioned the possibility of resuming a blockade of the Strait and placing it under direct control.

The notification is set to complicate efforts in Congress to restrict military operations against Iran.

The Senate last month passed a resolution, 50-48, calling for an end to hostilities with Iran without congressional approval. Four Republican senators joined Democrats. The House also passed a similar resolution, 215-208, with four Republicans voting in favor.

Still, the measure was a concurrent resolution, which does not require the president's signature and has limited legal force. Even if Congress passes legislation that would materially restrict the president's war powers, the White House is expected to veto it.