Unfortunately, President Trump chose to heed the advice of neoconservatives and Benjamin Netanyahu rather than listening to his MAGA supporters and other voices urging caution when he launched a surprise attack on Iran last weekend.
In less than a year, the US Administration has again used negotiations with Iran as a cover to execute a premeditated assault.
Last week’s discussions were described by all parties as showing “progress,” with technical teams scheduled for further talks this week to finalize details. Yet, President Trump abruptly declared dissatisfaction with the negotiations because Iran refused to utter the “magic words” pledging not to pursue nuclear weapons.
Iran has consistently asserted over decades that it has no intention of developing nuclear arms, a stance verified by US intelligence.
Shortly after Trump’s announcement, the US and Israel launched a “decapitation” strike, killing Iran’s religious leader along with approximately 40 political and military figures.
The plan appeared modeled on the Venezuela operation: a swift, low-cost blow targeting leadership, assuming the populace would then rise against the regime. While this may suit a Hollywood script, history proves such regime changes invariably fail. Millions gathered in Iran’s streets not in rebellion but to mourn the Ayatollah and express loyalty to their government.
Much like the surge of unity seen in the US after the 9/11 attacks.
Iran’s swift retaliation inflicted damage on US and Israeli assets. American soldiers have lost their lives; US fighter jets have been downed, and bases across the region are damaged or destroyed. US diplomatic missions have also faced attacks, including from Iraqis still harboring resentment over two decades of US military actions in their country.
With Pentagon officials warning that conflict may extend for weeks rather than days, America’s missile reserves are quickly depleting.
Billions have already been squandered on this unprovoked strike, and when the dust settles — if it ever does — the financial toll could reach hundreds of billions, if not more, on yet another Middle East conflict. This is contrary to President Trump’s stated promise to avoid such wars.
The neoconservatives, represented by figures like Lindsey Graham, have once again been proven wrong. Sadly, more American troops could perish while these same voices deflect responsibility for the debacle they helped initiate.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remarked about the joint US/Israeli action, “this combination of forces enables us to do what I have longed to do for 40 years…”
However, the US military’s role is not to carry out foreign leaders’ long-standing desires. Our Constitution rightly mandates that only Congress has the authority to declare war.
Conducting a military strike amidst ongoing talks will have enduring adverse consequences for America’s credibility. Who will trust US diplomacy if negotiations serve merely as cover for pre-planned attacks?
The Administration is trying to present this developing crisis as seamless and under control, but what exactly is the plan? It remains unclear if anyone truly knows.
Here is a simple proposal: End this immediately. Return the damaged US bases to their host nations. Bring American troops home. This is what a genuine “America first” policy entails.
Original article: ronpaulinstitute.org
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