Media: Trump formally notifies Congress, resuming U.S. strikes against Iran
¬ Trump: The U.S. plans extremely intense strikes against Iran on the night of July 13
¬ Houthi Spokesperson: Conducts strike on Abha Airport in Saudi Arabia
¬ Saudi Defense Ministry: Saudi air defense forces intercept multiple missiles launched from Yemen
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According to a letter from the U.S. President to Congress cited by The New York Times, President Trump has formally notified Congress that U.S. military operations have resumed and will conduct "defensive strikes" against targets inside Iran.
The New York Times reported: "President Trump has formally informed Congress of the resumption of military operations in Iran. In a letter to congressional leaders on Friday (July 10), the president wrote that on July 7, U.S. forces carried out 'defensive strikes' against targets inside Iran."
It was also reported that Trump said he would deliver a nationwide address at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on July 16, though the topic remains undisclosed.
Trump posted on his social media platform "Truth Social": "President Trump will deliver a nationwide address at 9 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Thursday (July 16), which corresponds to 9 a.m. Beijing time on July 17."
Previously, the U.S. Joint Maritime Information Center announced that U.S. forces would resume blockading various ports and coastal areas of Iran as of Beijing time on July 15.
The U.S. Joint Maritime Information Center stated in its statement: "The maritime blockade of various Iranian ports and coastal areas will begin at 20:00 UTC on July 14, 2026 (which is 04:00 Beijing time on July 15)."
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President Trump stated that Washington plans to carry out extremely fierce strikes against Iran during the night of July 13.
Speaking to radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump said: "We are preparing to launch extremely intense strikes against them [Iran]. We are preparing to carry out the strikes tomorrow."
Trump believes the U.S. can eliminate Iran's current regime.
When asked during an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt whether the U.S. or Israeli military could destroy Iran’s current government, Trump replied: "Yes, I can. We don’t want to talk about it. Of course, we are monitoring the situation."
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The Shia militant political group Ansar Allah (Houthis), who govern northern Yemen, said they launched a strike on the international airport in Abha, a city in southwestern Saudi Arabia, as retaliation for a Saudi attack on Sana'a International Airport.
Saleh al-Sariya, the Houthi military spokesperson, said on Al Masirah TV: "In retaliation for Saudi aggression, we used ballistic missiles and drones to strike Abha International Airport. The operation successfully achieved its intended objectives."
Speaking in the name of Ansar Allah, al-Sariya warned all airlines to avoid flying over Saudi airspace. He said: "Until the blockade of Sana'a International Airport is lifted, you should take our warnings seriously."
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The Saudi Defense Ministry spokesperson stated that on the evening of July 13, Saudi air defense forces intercepted multiple ballistic missiles fired from Yemen toward southern Saudi Arabia.
Al Ekhbariya TV reported, citing a statement from the Saudi Defense Ministry spokesperson: "Air defense forces intercepted multiple ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi terrorist movement toward southern regions of Saudi Arabia."
Previously, the Houthis had issued threats to retaliate against Saudi actions, including attacks on Sana'a International Airport before the Iranian aircraft carrying the Houthi leadership delegation landed.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870650613405712/
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