Washington, D.C. – The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) strongly condemns the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and the dangerous pursuit of a war of regime change. We mourn the lives already lost as a result of President Trump’s unlawful and reckless attacks on Iran– including at least 40 children killed at a girls’ elementary school in Minab. We hold in the Light all those across the region who now fear what comes next. We call for an immediate end to military strikes by all parties, urgent de-escalation, and a return to diplomacy.
“The US needs to return to the negotiating table and commit to real diplomacy. Now is the time for the US and Iran to pursue peace courageously and persistently. War is not the answer.”
“President Trump has again chosen war over diplomacy with Iran, with devastating consequences,” said FCNL General Secretary Bridget Moix. “US military strikes are already taking innocent lives and sparking more violence across the region. Congress must act urgently to restrain the administration before this spirals into another endless war. The US needs to return to the negotiating table and commit to real diplomacy. Now is the time for the US and Iran to pursue peace courageously and persistently. War is not the answer.”
The U.S. Constitution is clear: only Congress has the authority to declare war. By launching military action against Iran without congressional authorization, the president has violated both the Constitution and the War Powers Act of 1973, undermining the rule of law at home and abroad. This unnecessary war of choice endangers millions of people across the Middle East, including tens of thousands of U.S. service members. We urgently call on Congress to reassert its constitutional authority and pass the bipartisan Iran War Powers Resolution (S.J.Res.104 and H.Con.Res.38) to prevent further U.S. involvement in this unlawful and disastrous war.
We have and will continue to also condemn the violent actions of the Iranian government towards its own people, which have resulted in the deaths of thousands of Iranian civilians. But more war is not the answer. This will only multiply suffering—killing innocent civilians, placing U.S. servicemembers in harm’s way, and risking catastrophic regional escalation, repeating the tragic mistakes of U.S. military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. As Quakers, we believe there is that of God in every person. Bombs cannot build the just and lasting peace that true security requires.
Even now, diplomacy remains the only path that can prevent further bloodshed and address the underlying conflicts between our nations and in the region.
“Last night’s strikes on Iran by the Trump Administration mark a dangerous and unlawful escalation that puts millions of civilians at immediate risk,” said Hassan El-Tayyab, FCNL’s legislative director for Middle East policy. “We are already witnessing devastating civilian harm, including reports that at least 40 children were killed at a girls’ elementary school in Minab. This is a heartbreaking reminder that it is families and children who pay the price for wars of choice. If Congress fails to act now, we risk repeating the tragic and costly mistakes of Iraq and Afghanistan. Lawmakers must immediately reassert their constitutional authority and pass the bipartisan Iran War Powers Resolution to prevent further catastrophe.”
Even now, diplomacy remains the only path that can prevent further bloodshed and address the underlying conflicts between our nations and in the region. The 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal proved that sustained negotiations, rigorous verification, and international cooperation can constrain nuclear risks and reduce tensions. Military escalation will only make diplomacy harder and the region more dangerous.
We urge the administration to pursue immediate deescalation and a swift return to negotiations. This war of choice is unnecessary, illegal, and immoral. With faith that peace is possible, FCNL will continue working tirelessly with Congress and peace advocates across the country to pass the Iran War Powers Resolution, end U.S. involvement in this war, and build a future grounded in international cooperation, justice, accountability, and lasting peace.
