NIAC Condemns Sen. Graham’s Call for War Authorization

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jamal Abdi
Phone: 202-386-6408
Email: [email protected]

Washington, DC – The National Iranian American Council condemned the recent calls by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) for war against Iran. Graham today told a Christians United For Israel conference that he plans to introduce an authorization for the use of military force in Iran in two months.

“Senator Lindsey Graham’s saber rattling is reckless and seriously undermines U.S. and international efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue,” said NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi. “The Senator’s call for war and a push for new Congressional sanctions could become a serious setback to U.S. efforts to reinvigorate nuclear diplomacy once Iran’s new president takes office in August.” 

Many in Congress prefer to pursue new opportunities for diplomacy rather than to double down on saber rattling and sanctions that could upend diplomatic efforts. Last week, 131 Members of Congress called the recent election of Iran’s new president, Hassan Rouhani, a “major potential opportunity” and urged President Obama to give new diplomacy a chance. Additionally, 29 experts and top former officials called on President Obama to make the most of this opportunity and to avoid provocations such as new sanctions that could jeopardize this new window for Iranian moderates.

Americans do not want yet another military adventure in the Middle East and strongly favor diplomacy as the best course for dealing with Iran. Similarly, Iranians overwhelmingly voted for a president who promised to reach out to the West and pledged moderation over radicalism.

“There is a renewed push for moderation on both sides of the U.S.-Iran dispute right now,” said Abdi. “The bellicose calls for war and sanctions by some U.S. politicians is out of touch with the majority of Americans, just as the hostile rhetoric of Iranian officials has been roundly rejected by the Iranian people.”

About NIAC

The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the interests of the
Iranian-American community. NIAC’s mission is focused on promoting an active and engaged Iranian-American community, supporting aspirations for human rights and democracy in Iran, opposing war between the US and Iran, and celebrating our community’s deep cultural heritage.  NIAC accomplishes its mission by supplying the resources, knowledge and tools to enable greater civic participation by Iranian Americans and informed decision-making by policymakers.

For more information, please visit niacouncil.org.

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