Washington, DC – The ballistic missile attacks on Iraqi military bases where American troops are being hosted are a predictable response to the escalation between President Trump’s administration and Iran. Our thoughts are with the military service members and personnel, both American and Iraqi, who are in harm’s way because of this mindless march toward war.
This cycle of escalation and violence was entirely unnecessary. We call on the Trump administration to finally return to diplomacy to de-escalate this crisis and prevent the outbreak of a larger war, one that would have devastating costs for our country, our allies, and the region.
If the Trump administration is serious about its claims that the decision to assassinate Soleimani was to de-escalate, now is the time to prove that it is capable of restraint — and not seeking out a costly and unnecessary war of choice. This is a time for leadership. President Trump has the chance to walk back from the brink and end the cycle of escalation he began.
Congress must immediately consider a War Powers Resolution to make clear that the American people do not support a war with Iran, a war that has no strategic purpose and will only serve to destabilize a region and put millions of lives at risk.
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