The new announcement gives the administration another 60 days before it needs congressional approval, the White House reportedly argues
US President Donald Trump has formally told Congress that Washington is once again at war with Iran, Politico and the New York Times reported on Monday.
The US House of Representatives previously attempted to limit Trump’s war powers, arguing that he lacked congressional approval for the February 28 US-Israeli attack on Iran. Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president must withdraw American forces after 60 days unless Congress authorizes the war.
In a letter dated Friday and obtained by the outlets, Trump reportedly argued that the renewed US strikes on the Islamic Republic represent his “responsibility to protect Americans and the United States’ interests both at home and abroad.”
The White House argued that the move gives the Trump administration a fresh 60-day timeline to continue military operations against Iran, according to the reports.
In May, Trump notified Congress that the initial conflict, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, had been “terminated” after a ceasefire between the US and Iran was reached on April 7.
However, the armistice and the memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iran on June 17 collapsed after strikes resumed last week, with both sides accusing each other of breaking the agreement.
On Monday, Trump claimed that Washington is “taking over” the Strait of Hormuz, the key energy supply bottleneck that has served as a point of contention since the US and Israel launched the conflict.
The US would control the waterway and charge ships “20% on all cargo shipped,” the president said on Truth Social. Washington would also reinstate its blockade of Iranian ports and bar passage for vessels belonging to Iran or its customers, he added.
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