Manila: US President Donald Trump formally notified Congress last week of the resumption of military operations against Iran, as detailed in a letter cited by several US media outlets on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the letter, dated July 10, was sent to congressional leaders by the White House, stating that US military actions against Iran commenced on July 7. This decision followed Iran's alleged attacks on multiple commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz on July 6-7, despite previous commitments made under a June 17 memorandum of understanding.
The memorandum required Iran to make its 'best efforts' to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman. However, President Trump stated that Iran breached this commitment by attacking neutral-flagged commercial vessels during the specified period.
US forces responded with 'defensive strikes' targeting various sites within Iran, including missile launch sites, air defenses, maritime military assets, support infrastructure, and command-and-control capabilities. President Trump emphasized that US ground forces were not involved in these strikes, describing the actions as 'limited, measured, planned, and executed in a manner designed to minimize civilian casualties.'
President Trump also cautioned that US forces were prepared to take further action 'as necessary and appropriate' in response to any additional threats or attacks against the US and its allies. On Monday, President Trump announced the reinstatement of an 'Iranian blockade' and proposed a 20 percent fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for US protection.
US Central Command confirmed that the blockade of vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports would resume on Tuesday, allowing traffic that complies with the restrictions to continue. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has escalated recently, with both the US and Iran exchanging attacks despite a Pakistani-mediated memorandum of understanding aimed at resolving their conflict and establishing a lasting peace agreement.
