U.S. Democrats warn: Trump must respect legal authorities regarding Iran

Pars Today – Members of the U.S. Congress from the Democratic Party warned Donald Trump about the dangerous consequences of unilateral military action against Iran, stressing that the president must consult with the United States Congress.

According to Pars Today, citing IRNA, while nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. continue and speculation about possible confrontation between the two countries persists, Democratic lawmakers urged Trump to adhere to the legal powers of Congress regarding any military action against Iran.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Democratic representative from Florida, said that before taking any military action against Iran, Donald Trump must consult with the U.S. Congress and clearly explain why Iran is considered an immediate threat to the United States and why military action is necessary.

She added that former U.S. president George W. Bush obtained congressional authorization before launching the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Wasserman Schultz stressed that there is no evidence of an imminent threat from Iran that would justify a large-scale military strike, emphasizing that any military action by the president must be accompanied by consultation with and approval from Congress.

Chuck Schumer, the Democratic minority leader in the U.S. Senate, said in a statement on Friday (February 21) that the administration of Donald Trump has not yet clarified its objectives and reasons for a possible attack on Iran, nor has it sought congressional authorization to launch a military campaign.

He added that the Congress is the only body with the authority to declare war and must enforce the War Powers Act.

Trump confirmed on Friday that he is considering limited military options against Iran to pressure Tehran to stop uranium enrichment.

Meanwhile, Iran's FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi told MSNBC that “there is no military solution to Iran’s nuclear program” and that diplomacy is the only viable path forward.

On the other hand, Jack Reed, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, warned that a preemptive strike against Iran under the current conditions would be a strategic mistake and expressed concern about the potentially uncontrollable consequences of such action.

Reed added, “Starting a war is easy, but ending it will be very difficult.”

The administration of Donald Trump has in recent months increased the deployment of military forces in the region, while the United States Congress has not been formally briefed on these developments. Democratic lawmakers have urged the administration to consult Congress and provide transparent explanations for any military actions.