Trump notifies US Congress about resuming warfare in Iran — NYT

Lead

US President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress that hostilities against Iran resumed on July 7, a move his administration sees as opening a new 60-day window for military action without congressional approval, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. The notification, dated July 10, was sent to lawmakers on Friday, according to TASS — English, citing The New York Times.

In the letter, Trump said he directed military action consistent with his responsibility to protect Americans and US national security and foreign policy interests. The letter also outlines his actions, including ordering a two-week ceasefire on April 7, which was extended, as well as his administration's efforts to achieve a diplomatic solution.

Coverage Comparison

The Jerusalem Post, citing Reuters, reported that the US began attacking Iran on February 28, alongside Israel. The report quotes Trump's letter, which describes the memorandum of understanding he signed with Iran on June 17 and states that Iran violated it by attacking commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, prompting renewed strikes. The report also notes that Trump said on Monday the US was reinstating its blockade of Iranian shipping in the Gulf and would ensure the Strait of Hormuz stays open.

TASS — English reported that the letter says the US military delivered "defensive strikes against targets within Iran" on July 7. It also noted that the United States resumed large-scale strikes against Iran on July 8, accusing it of violating the terms of the agreements reached regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The report mentions that US-Iranian talks on the implementation of the memorandum were held in the Swiss resort of Buergenstock, brokered by Doha and Islamabad, and that a joint statement by Qatar and Pakistan described the meeting as positive and constructive, with encouraging progress achieved.

A separate TASS — English report focused on an unofficial designation for the resumption of strikes, citing The New York Post. It reported that the operation has been referred to as "Operation Bitch Slap" among some US administration members, who expect a "painful but brief" military action. A White House source told the newspaper that Trump still wants the conflict to be over, but if Iran shoots at ships, he will respond. The official name of the operation is "Operation Epic Fury," according to the report.

Key Claims

• US President Donald Trump sent Congress formal notification that hostilities against Iran resumed on July 7, as reported by the Jerusalem Post and TASS — English.
• The United States began attacking Iran on February 28, alongside Israel, as reported by both the Jerusalem Post and TASS — English.
• A memorandum of understanding was signed by Washington and Tehran in June, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, as reported by TASS — English and the Jerusalem Post.
• Iran was accused of violating the memorandum by attacking commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, prompting renewed strikes, as reported by the Jerusalem Post and TASS — English.
• US-Iranian talks were held in the Swiss resort of Buergenstock, brokered by Doha and Islamabad, as reported by TASS — English.
• The United States resumed large-scale strikes against Iran on July 8, as reported by TASS — English.
• The resumption of US strikes has been referred to as "Operation Bitch Slap" among some US administration members, as reported by TASS — English citing The New York Post.
• Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed as a result of airstrikes, as reported by TASS — English.
• The US Constitution requires Congress to declare war, and the War Powers Act requires the president to inform Congress within 48 hours of initiating hostilities, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
• The Senate and House passed a resolution directing Trump to withdraw US forces from hostilities with Iran, as reported by the Jerusalem Post (partial text available).

Perspectives

US Administration (via Trump's letter): The administration maintains that military action was taken consistent with the president's responsibility to protect Americans and US interests, and that Iran's violation of the memorandum of understanding necessitated renewed strikes.

Iran (implicit through accusations): While no direct Iranian government statement is provided, the reports indicate Iran was accused of violating agreements, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz, without presenting an Iranian response.

US Administration (internal division): The "Operation Bitch Slap" nickname, as reported, suggests some administration officials expect a short, decisive action, while others were unaware of the term, indicating varying expectations within the administration.