Iran War Restarts: Trump Notifies US Congress As Fighting Resumes Over Hormuz Control

The US is reinstating a naval blockade of Iranian ports, while Tehran insists it will remain the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions.

President Donald Trump has formally notified members of Congress that the United States has resumed military operations against Iran, reigniting questions over whether the administration will need congressional approval if the conflict continues.

According to Punchbowl News, Trump sent a letter to lawmakers on July 10 stating that “military action commenced” in the region. The notification complies with the War Powers Act, which requires the president to inform Congress within 48 hours of launching military action.

However, the move has renewed debate over how long US forces can remain engaged without congressional authorization. Under the War Powers Act, military operations can continue for 60 days after Congress is notified, with a possible 30-day extension. Any longer would generally require approval from lawmakers.

Trump had previously notified Congress about military operations on March 2, meaning those timelines have already expired. It remains unclear whether the administration will argue that the latest strikes constitute a new military operation, effectively restarting the 60-day clock, or whether Congress will seek a vote to approve or reject the renewed campaign.

Trump noted in his notification letter that there are no US ground troops in the area.

The congressional notification comes as the United States and Iran have resumed exchanging military strikes after Trump declared the ceasefire between the two countries to be over.

The US military also confirmed that a naval blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas will be reinstated at 20:00 GMT on July 14. The blockade, which had previously been lifted on June 18, will be enforced by U.S. Central Command beginning Tuesday.

The US Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) warned that all neutral vessels should leave the blockaded area before enforcement begins.

According to JMIC, the blockade will cover Iran’s entire southern coastline, including ports and oil terminals. However, it said neutral transit through the Strait of Hormuz and humanitarian shipments would still be allowed after inspections.

The agency also warned that “ships aiding vessels circumventing the blockade… will be subject to boarding,” adding that enforcement could include “disabling and destructive fires upon vessels who do not demonstrate immediate compliance.”

Earlier, Trump announced on Truth Social that “The Hormuz Strait is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran.” He said the United States was reinstating “THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE” and declared that the U.S. would become “THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT.”

Trump also proposed a 20% charge on cargo shipped through the strategic waterway, saying the United States “will be reimbursed” for the cost of providing security in the region.

Iran quickly rejected Trump’s position. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would remain the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz “forever.”

The renewed fighting has also cast uncertainty over the memorandum of understanding signed by the United States and Iran last month, which had outlined steps toward ending the conflict and preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities. With both sides exchanging fresh strikes, the future of any long-term peace agreement remains unclear.

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