President Donald Trump formally notified members of Congress that the United States has resumed military action in Iran, reigniting a debate on whether his actions are legal because he has not yet sought congressional approval.
Trump sent a letter to members of Congress on July 10 informing them that “military action commenced” in the area, a White House official confirmed to the Deseret News. That notification falls in line with the War Powers Act that mandates the president inform lawmakers within 48 hours of launching a military attack.
But it raises questions about whether Trump can continue taking action in the area without Congress first weighing in.
Under the War Powers Act, U.S. forces can only stay in the area for 60 days after the president notifies Congress. The president has the ability to extend that window for another 30 days, but any longer than that would require congressional approval.
Trump formally notified Congress of the operation on March 2, meaning the 60-day and 90-day windows have already expired. However, it’s not clear if the Trump administration will frame the latest strikes as a new military operation, thereby restarting the 60-day clock — or if lawmakers will force a vote to formally approve or disapprove.
U.S. Central Command also announced on Monday it would resume a naval blockade of maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports this week. That blockade was previously lifted on June 18 but will be reinstated on Tuesday.
Utah Sen. John Curtis has previously indicated that Congress would need to weigh in after the initial 60-90-day window expired and if U.S. troops have not been withdrawn. Trump noted in his notification letter there are no ground troops in the area.
However, Curtis told the Deseret News earlier this year he would need the administration to “show intent to wind this thing down.” If not, Curtis said he would consider legislation to rein in Trump’s military authority.
The notification comes after the U.S. and Iran have exchanged military strikes over the last week, with Trump declaring the ceasefire between the two countries to be over.
The terminated ceasefire leaves the status of the memorandum of understanding signed by both the U.S. and Iran last month in doubt. The two-page agreement outlined a plan to end the war and prevent Iran from developing nuclear capabilities, although strikes from both countries in recent days makes it unclear if a long-term peace deal is possible.