Rand Paul Warns Against Bombing Iran, Emphasizes Congress Role

Clear Facts

• Sen. Rand Paul voiced opposition to President Trump’s threats of military action against Iran during an ABC interview.
• Paul emphasized that the President cannot strike other countries without Congressional approval.
• Protests in Iran over economic issues have led to unrest and concerns about possible U.S. intervention.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., expressed opposition to President Donald Trump’s recent statements about a potential strike on Iran. He argued that military attacks could have unintended consequences, potentially uniting the Iranian people behind their leadership.

“I don’t think I have ever heard a president say they may take military action to protect protesters,” Paul said.

During his interview, Paul warned that bombing Iran would not guarantee the intended result and might actually backfire. He questioned how any airstrike could avoid harming innocent people in the midst of protests.

“How do you drop a bomb in the middle of a crowd or a protest and protect the people there?” Paul asked.

Paul raised concerns that attacking Iran’s government could inadvertently unite protesters with the regime against foreign intervention. He noted that supporting freedom is important, but direct U.S. military involvement is not the solution.

“If you bomb the government, do you then rally people to their flag who are upset with the Ayatollah…but then say, ‘Well, gosh, we can’t have a foreign government invading or bombing our country?'” Paul said.

He continued, “It tends to have people rally to the cause. So, I think the protests are directed at the Ayatollah, justifiably so.”

“The best way is to encourage them and say that, of course, we would recognize a government that is a freedom-loving government that allows free elections, but bombing is not the answer,” Paul added.

The Kentucky senator insisted that the Constitution prevents any president from unilateral military action against foreign countries. He made clear that only Congress has the authority to approve such strikes.

“There is this sticking point of the Constitution that we won’t let presidents bomb countries just when they feel like it,” Paul emphasized. “They’re supposed to ask the people, through the Congress, for permission.”

President Trump cautioned Iranian leaders that taking violent action against protesters would elicit a forceful American response.

“Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”

Trump stated.

Paul has also challenged Trump’s previous strikes against Venezuela, arguing they amount to acts of war. He helped the Senate move forward a resolution limiting the president’s authority to act without Congressional approval.

Paul criticized the administration’s actions against boats near Venezuela, warning of the dangers of killing innocent people under suspicion without sufficient evidence. He referenced Coast Guard figures showing many boarded vessels are not involved in drug trafficking.

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