Responsible Statecraft:

STAVROULA PABST

Responding to Israel’s attack on Iran last night, which targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, scientists, and key military leaders, U.S. lawmakers across the political spectrum are urging the Trump administration to show restraint and not allow the U.S. to get involved any more than it already is.

“Israel doesn’t need US taxpayers’ money for defense if it already has enough to start offensive wars,” Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) wrote on X. “I vote not to fund this war of aggression.”

“Netanyahu’s reckless strike risks provoking a wider war and pulling in the United States."

Trump must oppose Netanyahu’s escalation and pursue a diplomatic path to deal with Iran’s nuclear program,” Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) wrote on X. “Trump must not violate the Constitution by involving American troops in Netanyahu’s war without coming to Congress.”

“This is a disaster of Trump and Netanyahu's own making, and now the region risks spiraling toward a new, deadly conflict. A war between Israel and Iran may be good for Netanyahu’s domestic politics, but it will likely be disastrous for both the security of Israel, the United States, and the rest of the region,” Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said in a statement. “As Secretary Rubio stated, the United States was not involved in today's strikes, and we have no obligation to follow Israel into a war we did not ask for and will make us less safe.”

Members are particularly concerned that the U.S. will move to defend Israel if Iran retaliates and furthermore acts in tandem to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Trump told Fox News last night that the U.S. is ready to defend itself and Israel if Iran retaliates.

“The president cannot circumvent congressional war powers and unilaterally send U.S. troops to war with Iran. This is a violation of Article I of the Constitution which requires congressional approval to declare war,” Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D- Mich.) said. “The American people do not want another endless war in the Middle East that will cost lives and tear their families apart.”

“The American people overwhelming[ly] oppose our endless wars, and they voted that way when they voted for Donald Trump in 2024. I urge President Trump to stay the course, keep putting America first, and to not join in any war between other countries,” Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) wrote on X. “Every American should hope and pray for peace.”

Members pointed out that the strikes came as the U.S. was pursuing diplomacy with Iran over its nuclear deal, a path that seems uncertain today.

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