Statement From Representative Tran on U.S. Military Actions in Iran

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) released the following statement regarding President Trump’s strikes on Iran:

“President Trump’s decision to launch unilateral strikes against Iran without prior notification or authorization from Congress is a dangerous overreach of executive power. By bypassing Congress, this Administration has not only ignored the law but has also sidelined the American people in a decision that puts the lives of our service members at immediate risk.

“Iran is a terrorist nation-state and is a threat to democracies worldwide. It is governed by a brutal regime that oppresses its people and is an enemy to the United States.

“However, the fact remains that America is not willing to entangle ourselves in another forever war.

"This administration’s failure to seek diplomatic resolution, combined with its failure to seek Congressional buy-in, is a recipe for catastrophe. Instead of a strategy to prevent Iran’s nuclear proliferation, we are seeing a reckless policy of regime change that threatens to ignite a full-scale war.

"Congress is not a bystander in matters of war and peace; we are a coequal branch of government with the sole constitutional authority to declare war. I am calling for immediate, transparent briefings and will work with my colleagues to assert our Article I oversight. We cannot, and will not, allow this country to be dragged into another unauthorized, forever war."

Representative Tran serves on the House Armed Services Committee, overseeing the Department of Defense. Tran serves as a co-chair of the House Democratic Caucus National Security Task Force, bringing together expertise in Congress to develop policy solutions to the most pressing national security challenges facing our country. Representative Tran enlisted in the Army Reserve at age 18 and served for eight years. He was activated for Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom before earning an honorable discharge.

###