McClellan Statement on U.S. Strikes on Iran

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after the U.S. launched direct strikes on Iran:

“President Trump’s decision to launch air strikes on Iran without Congressional consultation or approval absent an imminent threat to the United States risks triggering a broader regional war that drags us deeper into an avoidable conflict with no clear strategy.

“Escalating tensions through force without a coordinated diplomatic effort dangerously undermines our national security and the safety of our allies, and puts our over 40,000 servicemembers stationed throughout the Middle East within reach of Iranian missiles and drones at risk. The American people deserve transparency and accountability when it comes to decisions that could cost American lives. I urge the Administration to brief all members in Congress on the intelligence that compelled these strikes, the effectiveness of the strikes, the plans for what comes next, and the actions that the Administration is taking to protect American servicemembers and potential domestic targets from Iranian reprisals.

"While we remain firm in our commitment to preventing a nuclear armed Iran, using force that at best merely delays nuclear weapons development by a few years will not bring long-term success. Only robust and aggressive diplomatic action has ever successfully contained Iran’s nuclear ambitions in a meaningful way. Unfortunately, the President abandoned the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreement successfully negotiated by the Obama-Biden Administration, without any clear alternatives in mind to avoid the current crisis that we find ourselves in at this moment.

“I urge the Administration to  pursue every available diplomatic channel to deescalate this crisis, prevent further bloodshed and achieve a lasting and durable solution to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.”

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