Trump Officially Notifies US Congress of Continuing Iran War

President Donald Trump has officially notified the US Congress that the Pentagon has resumed attacks on Iran. In a letter to Congress on 10 July, Trump said the strikes began on 7 July and were “military actions consistent with my responsibility to protect American citizens and United States interests, both at home and abroad”, according to US media reports from CBS and Politico. The letter, reported by Al-Jazeera on Tuesday (14/7/2026), described the latest US attacks as “limited, measured, planned, and executed in a manner designed to minimise civilian casualties”. Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, the president must report to Congress within 48 hours of initiating military action. The law also stipulates that any military action begun without congressional approval must be terminated within 60 days. The US first began striking Iran on 28 February, and both sides agreed to a ceasefire in April. However, retaliatory attacks have continued, with the US blockading Iranian ports. The initial 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution was 1 May, but Trump did not seek congressional approval, arguing the resolution did not apply because of the ceasefire. Congress subsequently passed a War Powers Resolution ordering Trump to withdraw US forces from hostilities with Iran.