CVA Statement on Israel-Iran Conflict

As war escalates in the Middle East, one fact is clear: Israel is executing an effective military campaign that it planned, launched, and intends to complete. Israel is well within its rights to defend itself and secure its interests against Iran, a country that has consistently acted aggressively against it. Having already dismantled key Iranian proxy forces like Hezbollah, Israel is now pressing deep into Iranian territory, pursuing its longstanding goal of eliminating Iran’s menacing nuclear program. Jerusalem has not formally requested U.S. involvement. Nor should it. Israel is more than capable of completing the task.

That said, the United States can and should continue to assist by providing equipment and intercepting missile and drone attacks aimed at Israeli territory. But this is where the U.S. should draw the line. Direct military intervention by the United States against Iran risks unnecessary escalation of the current conflict which would undermine both Israel’s long-term security and America’s core national interests.

If the administration does decide U.S. military action against Iran is unavoidable it must be extremely limited and it must come before Congress for authorization. There is no standing authorization for war with Iran and no imminent threat that justifies bypassing Congress or the Constitution.

The administration must also act swiftly to follow through on its decision to remove American forces currently stationed in exposed and vulnerable positions. The United States can deter adversaries―and, if necessary, project overwhelming force―without these residual deployments. There is no good reason to continue to put Americans in harm’s way by maintaining them.

Now is a moment to learn the lessons of previous military engagements in the Middle East, resist the inevitability of direct U.S. military intervention and reaffirm that war―must it be fought―may only be conducted with the consent of the American people.