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Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress that the United States has resumed kinetic military operations against Iran, triggering the third consecutive night of U.S. strikes and escalating tensions across the Persian Gulf.
In a two-page letter sent to lawmakers on Friday, the president informed Congress that strikes against Iranian targets restarted on July 7, in accordance with the War Powers Resolution. The notification grants U.S. forces in U.S. Central Command an additional 60 days to conduct operations without further congressional approval.
“United States ground forces are not involved in these strikes,” Trump wrote. “These strikes are limited, measured, planned and executed in a manner designed to minimize civilian casualties.”
Pentagon officials confirmed late Monday that U.S. forces had launched a third round of major strikes on Iranian military sites during overnight hours. Over the weekend, the U.S. reported hitting more than 140 Iranian targets, while Iran launched retaliatory attacks on U.S.-linked facilities across the Gulf region, including sites in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Blockade Reinstated, More Strikes Expected
President Trump previewed intensified operations in remarks Monday, stating the U.S. would “hit Iran hard” on Monday night and Tuesday. He also announced the reimposition of a full naval blockade on Iranian ports, effective Tuesday — coinciding with the 11th anniversary of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal.
The president said a recent memorandum of understanding with Iran was intended as a “test” that Tehran failed to honor. “We had a deal with them two days ago,” Trump told reporters, adding that Iran “wanted to negotiate it further” and has a pattern of breaking agreements.
Under the reinstated blockade, the U.S. will reportedly require vessels wishing to transit Iranian waters to pay a 20% fee on cargo value for passage, according to statements from the White House and CENTCOM.
Oil Prices Surge Amid Regional Escalation
Oil markets reacted sharply to the developments. West Texas Intermediate crude climbed toward one-month highs near $78 per barrel, extending gains amid fears of disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and potential wider conflict.
Reports emerged of Houthi forces launching ballistic missiles toward Saudi Arabia, targeting air bases and Abha International Airport. Iranian state media also claimed attacks on U.S.-linked facilities in Kuwait and on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Commercial shipping has continued in parts of the strait under U.S. protection despite Iranian declarations that the waterway was closed. Explosions were reported on Iran’s Larak Island.
Trump Administration Position
The White House continues to insist that the operation — referred to internally as part of “Operation Epic Fury” — remains limited and will not evolve into a prolonged ground war similar to those in Iraq or Afghanistan. Trump has emphasized a strategy combining military pressure and economic blockade to force Iranian compliance.
As of Monday evening, no immediate diplomatic breakthrough appeared imminent, with both sides exchanging sharp rhetoric and kinetic responses.
Oil traders and shipping firms are closely monitoring developments, with some analysts questioning whether traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could normalize by late August.
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