In a letter sent Friday and obtained by the New York Times on Monday, President Trump formally notified Congress that U.S. forces conducted 'defensive strikes against targets inside Iran' on July 7, reigniting the constitutional dispute over the president's authority to wage war without congressional approval.
President Trump formally notified Congress on Monday that the July 7 U.S. strikes against Iran were 'defensive,' according to a letter obtained by the New York Times and reported Monday evening. The notification, sent Friday, confirms that the administration is framing the strikes as defensive actions, a detail that emerged after earlier reports today that Trump had notified Congress of renewed combat operations. The development comes as the U.S. maritime siege on Iran is set to begin Tuesday at 23:00 Jerusalem time, as The Zioneer reported earlier.
The Zioneer reported Monday at 21:00 Jerusalem that the U.S. announced the siege, and shortly thereafter that Trump had formally notified Congress of renewed combat operations. Within the same hour, the NYT disclosed that the notification includes a characterization of the strikes as 'defensive.' The letter reignites a constitutional clash: both houses of Congress have voted to demand the president end the war or obtain authorization, but the White House maintains Trump is acting within his constitutional authority as commander in chief.
The Zioneer has reported in recent weeks on the escalating military campaign. On June 10, Trump confirmed heavy strikes on Iran and vowed continued military action. On July 8, the U.S. launched strikes on Iran and the IRGC claimed retaliatory attacks. The administration has weighed a short-duration campaign, as reported on June 10.
The exact scope of the July 7 strikes and whether they mark a sustained campaign remain unclear. The constitutional dispute over war powers continues, with no resolution in sight.
4 developments
- DevelopingUS House Speaker Johnson says notified of 'defensive' strikes against Iran
- StrongTrump reportedly orders strike against Iran
- DevelopingTrump tells NYT he will 'renew military attacks' on Iran if nuclear talks falter
- DevelopingTrump pledges unequivocally that US would defend Israel if it strikes Iran
Source and signal
- Internal intake