Washington: US President Donald Trump formally notified Congress last week that he resumed military operations against Iran, according to a letter cited by several US media outlets on Monday.
According to Anadolu Agency, in a July 10 letter to congressional leaders, the White House detailed that US military operations against Iran commenced on July 7. This action followed Tehran's alleged attacks on multiple commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz on July 6-7, despite prior commitments made under a June 17 memorandum of understanding. The agreement obligated Iran to make 'best efforts' to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman.
Trump's letter emphasized that, despite the commitment, Iran attacked several neutral-flagged commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz during the specified dates. In response, US forces conducted 'defensive strikes' targeting missile launch sites, air defenses, maritime military assets, support infrastructure, and command-and-control capabilities inside Iran. Trump clarified that no US ground forces were involved in these strikes, describing them as 'limited, measured, planned, and executed in a manner designed to minimize civilian casualties.'
Furthermore, Trump cautioned that US forces were prepared to take additional actions 'as necessary and appropriate' in response to further threats or attacks against the US and its allies. Earlier on Monday, he announced the reinstatement of an 'Iranian blockade' and proposed imposing a 20% fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz in return for US protection.
US Central Command later confirmed that the blockade of vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports would resume on Tuesday, while traffic not violating the restrictions would continue without hindrance. Tensions have escalated between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides exchanging attacks despite a Pakistani-mediated memorandum of understanding aimed at resolving their conflict and establishing a lasting peace agreement.