President Trump formally notified Congress of resumed hostilities with Iran, initiating a 60-day War Powers window while imposing a controversial 20 percent transit fee on the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump formally notified Congress on July 10 that military hostilities with Iran have resumed, a move that restarts the 60-day clock for executive military action under the War Powers Resolution. This notification follows three days of strikes by U.S. Central Command against Iranian targets, including the first combat use of seaborne drones to strike the Bandar Abbas Naval Base on July 13. By filing this formal notice, the White House has signaled its intent to operate without immediate legislative consent, forcing a constitutional debate over executive military authority in the absence of a formal declaration of war.
Central to the President’s maritime strategy is the reinstatement of an “Iranian blockade” of the Strait of Hormuz. Under this plan, the U.S. Navy will serve as the “guardian” of the waterway. The President announced that the U.S. will charge a 20 percent toll on all cargo shipped through the strait to reimburse taxpayers for security costs. While the administration maintains the strait remains open to neutral parties, the Joint Maritime Information Centre set enforcement to begin at 20:00 GMT on July 14. The order warns that vessels aiding Iranian efforts to circumvent these restrictions may face boarding and “disabling and destructive fires” if they do not comply with U.S. naval commands.
The proposed 20 percent transit fee has drawn sharp criticism from constitutionalists and international maritime bodies. Legal experts argue there is no clear basis under international law for a unilateral, compulsory toll on an international strait. Economic projections suggest the toll could add between $10 and $26 to the price of a barrel of oil, potentially costing large tankers tens of millions of dollars per voyage. These developments triggered immediate volatility; oil prices surged over 9 percent while South Korea’s KOSPI index plunged nearly 9 percent as global investors braced for energy supply disruptions.
On Capitol Hill, the notification arrives during a period of leadership instability. Senator Lindsey Graham died on July 12 from an aortic dissection; his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, has been appointed to his seat. Furthermore, Senator Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized following a fall, leaving the Senate to navigate war powers questions with senior hands sidelined. Despite this, the Foreign Affairs and Armed Services committees are expected to demand briefings on the rules of engagement and the legal justification for the cargo tolls.
As the administration prepares for a national address Thursday, the President has also focused on domestic executive actions. On July 13, he reduced the size of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah. Simultaneously, he released a video calling for the deportation of figures he described as “hardcore communist bastards,” naming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. This flurry of activity underscores a White House determined to exercise the full extent of its power while challenging Congress to reassert its oversight role. With the War Powers clock ticking, the nation faces a 60-day window that will determine the scale of this new Middle Eastern entanglement.
Miles Harrington serves as the Senior Correspondent for Federal Systems & Executive Power at Just Right News, where he brings a disciplined, constitutionalist lens to the inner workings of the American government. With a focus on the mechanics of the federal bureaucracy and the limits of executive authority, Harrington has established himself as a vital voice for readers who value transparency, accountability, and the preservation of the separation of powers.
A native of Richmond, Virginia, Harrington’s perspective is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Old Dominion. Growing up in a city defined by its historical significance and its role as a center of American jurisprudence, he developed an early appreciation for the foundational principles of the Republic. His upbringing in Richmond—a place where the legacy of the Founding Fathers is woven into the landscape—instilled in him a belief that the federal government should remain within its constitutional bounds. This background informs his skepticism of centralized overreach and his commitment to reporting on the ways in which the administrative state impacts the lives of everyday citizens.
In his current role, Harrington specializes in the complexities of federal systems. He doesn’t just report on the headlines of the day; he digs into the structural shifts within the executive branch that often go unnoticed by the mainstream press. Whether he is analyzing the implications of a new federal regulation or investigating the expansion of agency jurisdiction, his work is characterized by a rigorous adherence to the facts and a dedication to the rule of law.
Harrington is perhaps best known for his signature feature series, “How Washington Works.” Through this ongoing project, he demystifies the often-opaque processes of the nation’s capital, pulling back the curtain on the “Deep State” and the unelected officials who wield significant influence over national policy. By breaking down complex legislative maneuvers and executive orders, he empowers Just Right News readers to understand the true levers of power in Washington. His reporting serves as a necessary check on the federal government, ensuring that the actions of those in power are held up to the light of public scrutiny.
Now based in Washington, D.C., Harrington operates at the epicenter of the political world, yet he remains intentionally distanced from the “Beltway bubble.” His proximity to the halls of power allows him to maintain a robust network of sources across the federal landscape, but his heart remains in the principled conservatism of his Virginia roots. He views his role not merely as a reporter, but as a steward of the public trust, dedicated to providing the clarity and context that conservative voters need to navigate an increasingly complex political environment.
Through his sharp analysis and unwavering commitment to the truth, Miles Harrington continues to be a cornerstone of the Just Right News team. His work ensures that the principles of limited government and executive restraint remain at the forefront of the national conversation, providing a crucial service to those who believe in a government that is truly of, by, and for the people.