JDCA Responds to Escalation with Iran

WASHINGTON — In response to recent escalatory events with Iran, Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) Executive Director Halie Soifer said the following:

“Recent Iranian attacks in the Straits of Hormuz and targeting of a U.S. drone confirm what we have always known: Iran is a dangerous and destabilizing force in the Middle East. Iran is the world’s leading state-sponsor of terror, with proxy forces throughout the region, and we strongly condemn recent Iranian provocations.

“At the same time, we urge the Trump administration to exercise caution and pragmatism as it considers its response to Iran’s recent escalation, and to take into account the following three considerations: U.S. military action without congressional approval is not an option; the 2001 authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) does not apply here; and all diplomatic measures must be exhausted before contemplating U.S. military options against Iran.

“Growing regional tension underscores the critical importance of ensuring Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon. This is why President Trump’s decision to unilaterally walk away from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or Iran nuclear agreement, was reckless, short-sighted, and deeply flawed. The Trump administration must develop a long-term plan and strategy for containing the Iranian threat, in coordination with Congress.

“The U.S. is increasingly isolated from our allies and lacking credibility due to Trump’s incoherent foreign policy, alignment with adversaries and autocrats, and inability to tell the truth. This is why congressional oversight of the Trump administration is absolutely essential to our national security, and why we strongly support ongoing efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the current conflict with Iran.”