Rep. Tom Barrett Proposes Deadline to Wind Down Trump’s Iran War by July 30

Rep. Tom Barrett (Mich.) introduced an Authorization for Use of Military Force that would require President Trump to wind down the Iran war by the end of July and set limits on the scope of the ongoing U.S. military campaign.

Barrett’s bill would bar U.S. forces from conducting “sustained” ground combat operations in Iran, and it would prohibit occupying, seizing or holding Iranian territory or engaging in “nation-building” or similar measures.

Detroit Free Press

Barrett said in a release, “Two things have been clear from the very beginning: Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the United States of America cannot be dragged into another endless war,” while the Detroit Free Press reported the AUMF would give Trump until July 30 to “demolish, degrade or defeat” Iran’s nuclear program.

The Hill reported that Barrett’s AUMF would also require a report to Congress describing military operations pursuant to the AUMF or those “conducted in reliance” on other authorities, including an assessment of civilian and military casualties.

The Hill further said the AUMF would expire on July 30, with a 30-day extension available “only as necessary,” as the bill seeks to reclaim Congress’s role under Article 1 of the Constitution.

While Barrett’s proposal targets congressional limits, EL PAÍS reported that Trump threatened Tehran with bombings at “a level and intensity much higher” if it does not accept a memorandum that would declare the end of the armed conflict and pave the way for 30 days of negotiations.

EL PAÍS said the memorandum would envision the unlocking of the Strait of Hormuz and that Washington and Tehran were “close” to signing a one-page Memorandum of Understanding, according to Axios and confirmed by a Pakistani source.

EL PAÍS

France 24 reported that following the Axios report, an Iranian lawmaker responded that it is “more of an illusion than a reality,” while the Islamic Republic’s Foreign Ministry said it is still studying the offer.

France 24 also said Trump told reporters that if Tehran does not accept a pact, he will resume the bombings at a level and intensity “much greater,” after he announced the suspension of the “Freedom Project” in the Strait of Hormuz.

EL PAÍS added that Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said his country is “evaluating” the proposal and would convey its points of view to the Pakistani side, which is mediating.

The dispute over what happens next is tied to the Strait of Hormuz, with EL PAÍS saying the deal would allow reopening the vital strait, limit Iran’s nuclear program, and lift U.S. sanctions, while also removing restrictions on transit through Hormuz.

“Israel says it launched an attack on the commander of Hezbollah's elite force on the outskirts of Beirut”

France 24

EL PAÍS reported that the blockade Iran responded with to the joint massive U.S.-Israel attack and the one Washington has tried to apply now have led both countries to claim control of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world’s daily volume of oil and liquefied gas moves.

The Hill reported that under Barrett’s bill the U.S. would be able to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports, which the U.S. Navy is already imposing, and ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for American and allied ships.

The Hill also said Barrett’s bill would require the president to submit a report to Congress describing legal authority for each action and operation and assessing civilian and military casualties, as the AUMF’s July 30 expiration and 30-day wind-down period approach.

In parallel, France 24 said China called for a comprehensive cease-fire in Iran, and it reported that recent indirect talks took place between the U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials, according to Pakistani sources.