House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks Issues Statement Following Trump’s National Address on Iran

Washington, D.C. - Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a statement following President Trump's address to the nation on the Iran war:

"Tonight's address made two facts clear: this was a war of choice, not necessity, and Trump still has no clear plan for how it will end. No amount of bluster or wild claims changes those facts.

"The United States was not facing an imminent threat that justified rushing into another war in the Middle East, without deliberation or consultation with Congress and the American people. And while the administration may point to degraded Iranian capabilities, this war may yet leave us facing a more dangerous, unstable, and hostile Iran -- one that is militarily weaker, but significantly more desperate, radicalized, and willing to escalate against the U.S. and our allies.

"We are already seeing the consequences: rising regional instability, historic pressure on global energy markets, and growing risks to U.S. personnel and our allies. And yet, there is still no clear plan for what comes next. The American people deserve more than vague declarations of success. They deserve a comprehensive strategy that prevents further escalation, protects our interests, and pursues a durable path to peace. Without that, this costly and chaotic war risks becoming not a solution, but the beginning of a more dangerous chapter."