Trump Threatens to Drag US Into Another War of Choice
June 17, 2025 – In response to President Donald Trump’s threats of the use of U.S. military force against Iran and other belligerent comments–including posting the message “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” and discussing the possibility of assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader on social media – Center for International Policy President and CEO Nancy Okail issued the following statement:
“War fever is once again descending on Washington, DC. As always, it will not be the U.S. foreign policy elites who end up paying the terrible price of another war of choice, but American service members and families along with countless civilians thousands of miles away.
“Israel’s initiation of major hostilities with Iran was an unnecessary and reckless act of war that is rapidly escalating. U.S. entry into and expansion of this conflict would transform it into a regional conflagration that could become yet another quagmire of American military overreach.
“American troops should not be put in harm’s way and US taxpayers should not be on the hook to subsidize an unnecessary and avoidable war, particularly one foisted on us by a client state government acting against peace and stability throughout the Middle East. Across the U.S. political spectrum, voters are overwhelmingly opposed to sacrificing American blood and treasure in Iran. Ordering our armed forces into a costly conflict with Iran would be a betrayal of Trump’s promises to avoid needless wars and a decision which could potentially surpass the U.S. invasion of Iraq as a strategic error.
“We commend lawmakers of both major political parties who have introduced or indicated support for Congressional legislation to make clear that President Trump does not have the Constitutionally required authorization for the use of military force in Iran. This is potentially a once-in-a-generation moment that could impact our country’s trajectory as the American wars in Vietnam and Iraq did. Politicians and other decision-makers should remember the lessons of those fateful conflicts, stand firmly against militarism, and press for a diplomatic resolution to this crisis.”
