Those following the president’s public statements about Iran knew trouble was brewing when on Thursday, Feb. 26, after a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland between U.S. and Iranian envoys, mediated by Oman, and with the International Atomic Energy Agency present, the administration provided no readout to members of the press.

“The U.S. reticence is likely in order to give US President Trump maximum space to decide if he wants to continue pursuing diplomacy or, as a massive U.S. military buildup in the region portends, strike Iran in order to try to get a better deal,” wrote Laura Rozen from Diplomatic.

This morning, Israel and the United States bombed Iran.

On Feb. 20, the Arms Control Association issued this statement:

Another U.S. aerial military strike on Iran, as President Trump said on Friday he is considering, would not advance the goal of blocking Iran’s potential pathways to acquire nuclear weapons if its leaders were to decide to do so. Rather, a U.S. attack would undermine ongoing diplomacy between Iran and the United States and damage efforts to secure return international inspectors to sensitive sites that were bombed in 2025 by Israel and the United States. Even a “limited” U.S. military strike runs a serious risk of igniting a wider, more intense, and prolonged regional conflict, and such an attack would be inconsistent with the U.S. and international law.

This came from our local chapter of Veterans For Peace on Tuesday:

The  US is on the cusp of a war on Iran. Although the U.S. stands on the brink of what may be the most consequential military action in over two decades, there has been no public debate nor congressional briefing, let alone a vote to authorize it.  What can peacemakers do? As of now, Feb 24th, war has not broken out.  There is a Massie-Khanna effort in the House, and a Kaine-Paul effort in the Senate which would prohibit military action against Iran unless there is a declaration of war or specific authorization from Congress.  So, #1, we need to encourage Iowa members and other members  of Congress to support those resolutions.  (Congress’ switchboard #  202 224-3121).  #2 we need to bear witness before war breaks out.  Will that stop war from breaking out? – most likely not.  But I would submit that silence is not an option.  SO, what shall we do?  

Hit the streets with local activists to demand No Warand Hands Off Iran.  Where?  When?  Please, let us “reply to all” with suggestions and advice by Saturday, Feb 28th.    Peace, Ed Flaherty

When will the Congress reign in the president on matters of war? Talks with Iran should continue before more combat.