Trump Confirms Resumption of Military Operations Against Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump informed Congress in a letter dated July 10 that the United States has resumed military operations against Iran. The President characterized the actions as “defensive strikes” that were “limited, measured, planned, and executed in a manner designed to minimize civilian casualties.”
In the letter, President Trump stated that the military action commenced on July 7, 2026, following allegations that Iran “attacked several neutral-flagged commercial vessels” in the Strait of Hormuz between July 6 and 7. According to the President, U.S. forces responded by striking targets within Iran, including missile launch sites, air defenses, military maritime assets, military support infrastructure, and command and control capabilities. The President noted that the U.S. Armed Forces remain postured to take further action if necessary to address additional threats.
Uncertainty Surrounding Bushehr and Regional Strikes
The resumption of hostilities has been marked by conflicting reports regarding specific targets. Iranian state media, citing deputy governor of Bushehr Ehsan Jahanian, reported that a “US-Israeli projectile” struck a military headquarters on the outskirts of Bushehr. Authorities further reported that a projectile hit the perimeter of Iran’s lone nuclear power plant located in the area.
American officials have denied that U.S. forces were carrying out attacks at the time of the reported strike in Bushehr. Amid the confusion, two U.S. officials stated that the American military was “not currently conducting strikes” as of the night of July 9, though the possibility of future action remained. While Iran’s Mehr news agency initially reported explosions in the port city of Bandar Abbas, Iranian state television later denied that report.
Diplomatic Shifts and Negotiating Hurdles
The military escalation occurs against a backdrop of volatile diplomacy. On July 9, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump held a phone call, during which Trump provided an update on “American moves in the Gulf.” Despite the ongoing conflict, President Trump claimed on Thursday that a “great settlement” of the war had been reached, suggesting an agreement to extend a fragile ceasefire would be finalized in the coming days.
However, a spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baghaei, stated via state television that while mediators are active, nothing has been finalized. Baghaei noted that the text of a deal is “mostly finalized,” but cited “contradictions in America’s position” as a source of turbulence in the process. A source with knowledge of the negotiations told ABC News that a deal is “very close” following talks involving a Qatari delegation in Tehran.
Stakes in the Strait of Hormuz and Oil Markets
A central focus of the conflict is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit point for global oil and natural gas. Trump had previously threatened to take “total control” of Iran’s oil and gas industries, specifically mentioning a potential seizure of Kharg Island, which handles 90% of Iran’s oil exports. In an interview with Fox News, Trump acknowledged doubts regarding such a move, stating he did not want “boots on the ground,” though he noted the U.S. could take over the terminal with a small group of soldiers if desired.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that the U.S. intends to extract funds from frozen Iranian accounts to offset the costs of damage to American allies and to counter tolls imposed by Iran on ships transiting the Strait. These tensions over energy infrastructure and shipping lanes come as the broader conflict continues to impact regional stability, with over 1 million people displaced in Lebanon due to ongoing hostilities involving Hezbollah, an organization considered an Iranian proxy.
Status of the Conflict
The current situation remains fluid, as evidenced by the following verified developments:
| Development | Details |
| :— | :— |
| U.S. Military Status | Operations resumed July 7; labeled “defensive strikes.” |
| Primary Targets | Missile sites, air defenses, and military infrastructure. |
| Negotiation Status | Mediators reporting a deal is “very close,” though Iran cites “contradictions.” |
| Strait of Hormuz | Ongoing friction over shipping security and potential U.S. financial offsets. |
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed that his country remains prepared to resume its military campaign against Iran “with even greater force” if necessary, stating that the army is on alert to regain air superiority and eliminate threats. Prime Minister Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, asserting that while the “Iranian axis” is weaker, the campaign is not yet over.
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