Trump notifies Congress of resumed war on Iran as US strikes continue for third night

President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress of resuming military operations against Iran effective July 7, as the US conducted a third night of airstrikes and Iran retaliated against US assets in the region.

• Trump announced in a July 10 letter that he ordered the resumption of military operations against Iran effective July 7, citing Iran's violation of a June 17 memorandum by attacking commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
• US Central Command confirmed strikes for the third consecutive night against Iranian coastal guard stations and military infrastructure linked to controlling the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iran's army said it attacked a US vessel and US military sites in Kuwait, including communication centers and fuel depots, and shot down an MQ-1 drone over the Strait of Hormuz.
• The United Arab Emirates reported that two of its tankers were hit by Iranian cruise missiles, killing one crew member and wounding several others.

Latest developments

• US Central Command announced that over 50,000 American military personnel are currently deployed across the Middle East.
• Oil prices hit a one-month high, with Brent crude nearing $85 a barrel, extending a 9.6 percent gain.
• President Trump reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports and proposed a 20 percent toll to protect the Strait of Hormuz.