U.S. President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress that hostilities against Iran resumed on July 7, a move his administration views as triggering a new 60-day window to use military force in the region without congressional approval.
"I directed this military action consistent with my responsibility to protect Americans and United States' national security and foreign policy interests," Trump said in the letter, dated July 10, and seen by Reuters Monday.
The letter outlines Trump's actions, including ordering a two-week cease-fire on April 7, which was extended and his administration's efforts to achieve a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
The United States and Israel began attacking Iran on Feb. 28.
Trump described the memorandum of understanding he signed with Iran on June 17 and said that Iran had violated it by attacking commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, prompting him to order renewed strikes on the Islamic Republic.
