Trump notifies Congress of resumed military hostilities with Iran

President Trump has formally notified Congress that the United States has resumed military hostilities with Iran, an escalation that marks a definitive end to the fragile ceasefire established in June. According to a letter dated 10 July and provided to Congress, the new phase of military action commenced on 7 July. This notification arrives amid a surge in regional instability, with the President declaring that the U.S. Will move to reinstate a naval blockade of Iranian ports and effectively assume control of the Strait of Hormuz.

The President, in statements shared on social media and with media outlets, asserted that the United States will now act as the Guardian of the Hormuz Strait. As part of this new posture, the U.S. Intends to impose a 20% fee on all cargo transiting the waterway. The stated objective of this levy is to reimburse the U.S. Military for the costs associated with securing the passage, which officials describe as a volatile section of the world.

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Regional and Global Response

The announcement of a mandatory toll has drawn sharp criticism from international bodies. The International Maritime Organization issued a statement noting there is no legal basis through which to introduce mandatory tolls simply to transit through a strait, reaffirming that such waterways should remain free of charges in accordance with international law.

Tehran’s response was immediate. Iranian officials have categorically rejected the U.S. Attempt to seize control of the Strait, labeling the move a dangerous intervention in the sovereign affairs of regional states. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged the concept of compensation for maritime security in a social media post, noting that whoever provides secure and safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz should be compensated for this service. However, he dismissed the 20% figure as excessive, while maintaining that Iran serves as the long-term guardian of the passage.

The volatility has already impacted global markets, with benchmark crude oil prices rising by approximately 5% to 7.8% on Monday, reflecting investor anxiety over potential disruptions to energy supplies. Data from maritime tracker Kpler indicates that transit volumes through the Strait reached recent lows on Sunday, as security risks continue to deter commercial traffic.

Escalating Hostilities

The renewed confrontation involves a series of direct military engagements. U.S. Forces reported the use of unmanned surface vessels—specifically three Corsair drones—to target a submarine and maintenance facility at the Bandar Abbas Naval Base. Meanwhile, Iran reported retaliatory strikes, claiming to have targeted U.S. Military infrastructure in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. Iranian officials also reported two fatalities following strikes near Abadan.

The U.K. Government has signaled its own intent to increase pressure on Tehran, announcing plans to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. Security Minister Angela Eagle alleged that the group directed attacks across Europe, further complicating the diplomatic environment.

What to Watch Next

• Congressional Oversight: Democrats have expressed their intention to explore legal avenues to force compliance with the War Powers Resolution, following the passage of a bipartisan resolution last month that sought to limit the President's military authority.
• Maritime Traffic: Market analysts are monitoring how many commercial vessels comply with the U.S. Blockade protocol versus those attempting to coordinate with Iranian authorities.
• Primetime Address: President Trump will give a primetime address Thursday, he announced on Truth Social Monday amid heightened hostilities with Iran.

As the blockade approaches, the World section of Newsarchy UK will continue to track developments regarding the resumed military hostilities.