Velázquez Statement on Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement amidst escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran:
 
“Israel’s ongoing military attack on Iran represents a dangerous escalation that has the potential to spiral into a broader regional crisis across the Middle East.  The timing of these attacks strongly suggests it was intended to sabotage ongoing nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran. While I firmly believe a nuclear armed Iran represents an existential threat to Israel and the region, the only path to permanently avoiding that outcome lies in a negotiated agreement through diplomatic efforts, not war.
 
“These strikes and the retaliations that followed have already claimed the lives of hundreds of Iranians and more than 20 Israelis. They’ve also put the lives of Americans in the region at great risk. I mourn those already lost and urge an immediate end to the violence. The United States must deploy every diplomatic tool available to bring both sides to the table and end this conflict before it spins even further out of control. President Trump’s belligerent social media posts calling for unconditional surrender and the evacuation of Tehran only stand to make the situation worse and put more lives at risk.

“It is equally clear that the American people have no desire to be dragged into another endless conflict in the Middle East that takes innocent lives and wastes valuable resources. We must also make clear that any direct military action against Iran without explicit authorization from Congress would be unconstitutional. Only Congress has the power to declare war. That is why I have added my name as an original cosponsor to Representatives Massie’s and Khanna’s War Powers Resolution to remove the United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in Iran. I urge other members of Congress to join me in cosponsoring this important Resolution. 
 
“At the same time, I continue to pray for the safe return of all remaining hostages held by Hamas and for an end to humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.”

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