See below for statements re: the Israeli strikes on Iran, from Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and others as I see them. Crazy times. And yes, by pulling us out of the Iran nuclear deal, which had Iran’s nuclear program in check, Trump made what’s going on now close to inevitable.
STATEMENT OF SENATE INTELLIGENCE VICE CHAIR MARK R. WARNER
WASHINGTON – Tonight, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement:
“This is a rapidly evolving situation, and it’s critical that the United States work with our allies and avoid steps that will cause further escalation across the region. For years, Iran has threatened the safety of Israel and the region and Israel has an undeniable right to defend itself and its citizens. At the moment, my foremost concern is the safety of American troops, diplomats, and personnel stationed throughout the Middle East. As Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I am carefully monitoring developments and staying in close contact with our intelligence and national security agencies.”
KAINE STATEMENT ON ISRAELI STRIKES ON IRAN
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement after Israel attacked sites in Iran:
“I am deeply concerned about the escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran and the risks for U.S. personnel and citizens in the region. I commend the Trump Administration for prioritizing diplomacy and working to curb Iran’s nuclear program, and for refraining from participating in tonight’s actions. I cannot understand why Israel would launch a preemptive strike at this juncture, knowing high level diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran are scheduled for this weekend. These talks are the only viable and sustainable path to curtailing Iran’s development of nuclear weapons and protecting U.S. national security interests in the region. We must always defend U.S. personnel and assets against those who might seek to harm us, but the American people have no interest in another forever war.”
