Americans Must Not be Called Upon to Sacrifice for Netanyahu’s War of Choice

June 13, 2025: In response to Israel’s June 13 strikes on Iran, Center for International Policy Executive Vice President Matt Duss released the following statement:

“Israel’s initiation of new hostilities with Iran should be condemned as an unnecessary and reckless act of war that threatens to ignite another deadly conflict in the Middle East. 

“The Netanyahu government’s decision to bomb several sites across Iran is clearly intended to sabotage diplomacy with Iran. Having played a key role in convincing President Trump to make the terrible mistake of withdrawing the United States from the successful 2015 agreement in his first term–unleashing Iran’s nuclear program and allowing Iran to get closer than ever to being able to build a nuclear weapon–Netanyahu has now outmaneuvered him to the severe detriment of U.S. interests and put American military and diplomatic personnel in harm’s way.

“American soldiers and families must not be called upon to sacrifice for Netanyahu’s war of choice. No U.S. military personnel should be involved in Israel’s assault on Iran, nor should American taxpayer dollars be used to subsidize the weapons used in it.

“Responsible lawmakers who prioritize American safety and security are rightly speaking out against Netanyahu’s irresponsible provocation, reflecting the views of an overwhelming majority  of Americans who favor diplomacy over war to restrain Iran’s nuclear activities. Immediately ending this violence and finding a path back to viable negotiations should be the guiding priority for the U.S. Government, rather than belligerent rhetoric and the continued supply of offensive weapons that enables yet another horrific conflict endangering millions.”