Washington (EFE).- The United States President Donald Trump formally notified Congress that fighting in Iran resumed on July 7, according to a letter sent on Friday and made public on Monday.
Trump stated that US forces conducted “defensive strikes” against targets within Iran.
The President communicated the resumption of military activities against Iran under the War Powers Resolution, which requires military operations to end within 60 days unless legislative approval is granted or a limited extension is provided.
This notification reignites tensions between the White House and Capitol Hill regarding the President’s authority to continue the war in Iran without Congressional approval.
Since the conflict began on February 28, lawmakers have questioned Trump’s decision to initiate a war that has destabilized the global economy and impacted the financial well-being of Americans.
The White House argues that Trump is acting within his constitutional powers as Commander-in-Chief. However, Democrats maintain the war is illegal, arguing that the President cannot reset the 60-day clock for military action by citing the April 7 ceasefire.
On June 23, the US Senate voted for the first time to end the war against Iran, dealing a significant political blow to Trump.
The vote, which passed 50-48, reinforced a similar decision made by the House of Representatives in early June opposing the Middle East conflict.
Although the resolution, which directed Trump to end the war or seek authorization to continue it, was non-binding and thus held more symbolic than practical value, it marked the lowest point of the President’s popularity regarding this conflict.
The president also informed on his Truth Social account that “The U.S.A. will be, from this point forward, known as “THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT,” but as such, and as a matter of FAIRNESS, will be reimbursed, at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped, for any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World.”
In another post, he announced the delivery of a speech nationwide “on Thursday evening, at 9 P.M. Eastern.”
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