US Renews Iran Strikes
Trump Notifies Congress: US Renews Strikes and Naval Blockade Against Iran
Key Points
Naval drones were reportedly used for the first time during the operation.
Iran announced the full closure of the Strait of Hormuz on July 12, and Iranian forces attacked a container ship during the escalation.
June memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, with Buergenstock talks brokered by Doha and Islamabad producing encouraging progress and a basis for further technical consultations.
The naval blockade was set to be reinstated on July 14 at 20:00 GMT, covering Iran's southern coastline including ports and oil terminals; neutral transit would be allowed after inspections, and ships aiding those circumventing the blockade could be boarded or subjected to disabling or destructive actions.
The White House is preparing for a prolonged confrontation with Iran, with Axios reporting the administration expects strikes could continue for several days to weeks.
President Trump formally told Congress that U.S. military action against Iran has resumed, ending a ceasefire that had been in place since mid-June. Politico reported that strikes restarted on July 7, with American forces conducting what the White House called defensive operations against Iranian targets.
The notification triggers a new 60-day clock under the War Powers Resolution, giving the administration time to act without a formal congressional vote. E&E News reported Trump framed this as a new war authorization window, though Congress retains the power to approve or block any longer engagement.
Strikes Restart After Ceasefire Collapses in June
A memorandum of understanding signed in June had called for an immediate stop to fighting. Talks brokered by Doha and Islamabad in Buergenstock produced what negotiators described as encouraging progress. But those gains unraveled. AOL News reported that Trump told lawmakers the military action began on July 7, directed at Iranian targets tied to attacks on commercial shipping.
The White House is preparing for a long fight. Axios reported the administration expects strikes could continue for several days to weeks. Naval drones were reportedly used during the operation — marking the first known use of that technology in this conflict.
Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz, Attacks Container Ship
Iran announced the full closure of the Strait of Hormuz on July 12. Iranian forces also attacked a container ship during the escalation. The Strait is one of the world's most important shipping lanes. Roughly 20% of global oil supply passes through it each day.
The U.S. and regional partners moved quickly to push back. Yahoo News reported that a naval blockade covering Iran's southern coastline — including ports and oil terminals — was set to be reinstated on July 14 at 20:00 GMT. Neutral ships would be allowed through after inspections. Any vessel helping Iran dodge the blockade could be boarded, disabled, or destroyed.
20% Hormuz Fee and Naval Enforcement Squeeze Iran's Economy
As part of the blockade measures, a 20% fee was imposed on cargo transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. The move is designed to pressure Iran economically while keeping some shipping lanes open. Ships that comply with inspections can still pass.
Crypto Briefing noted the conflict began in February 2026, following a series of Iranian attacks on commercial vessels. The renewed blockade and strike campaign mark a sharp escalation from the ceasefire terms agreed just weeks ago. The administration has not said what conditions would end the military campaign.
Congress Divided Over Authorization as 60-Day Clock Ticks
Trump's notification restarts the 60-day War Powers clock. Under U.S. law, the president can use military force for up to 60 days without congressional approval. After that, lawmakers must vote to authorize or end the operation. The debate over whether this counts as a new war or a continuation of the earlier conflict is already dividing Capitol Hill.
E&E News reported that some lawmakers argue the administration needs fresh authorization now. Others say the original authorization from February still applies. Trump is expected to address the nation in a televised speech to make the case for continued military action.
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