Sanders and Welch Urge Trump to Avoid War With Iran Amid Rising Tensions

Vermont Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch have joined other lawmakers in urging President Trump to avoid going to war against Iran. It comes as Israel appeared to be expanding its air campaign on Tehran five days after its surprise attack on Iran’s military and nuclear program. Sanders introduced legislation to prohibit using federal funds for military force against Iran, and to bar specific Congressional authorization. The bill includes an exemption for self-defense. “I think it’s a disaster. I think it’s dangerous. I think it could grow to an even greater regional conflict. And one thing I am absolutely certain about is that the United States, neither militarily or financially, should get involved in this war.” Sanders said the Israeli prime minister is to blame for the violence, saying he violated international law. President Trump on Monday warned that Tehran needs to curb its nuclear program before it’s “too late.” Asked what it would take for the U.S. to get involved in the conflict militarily, Trump said, “I don’t want to talk about that.”