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By Paul Bean
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has taken a stance against potential U.S. military involvement in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, introducing the “No War Against Iran Act” late Monday night.
The legislation, introduced last night (6/17), aims to prohibit the use of federal funds for military action against Iran without explicit Congressional authorization, a move that has sparked both support and controversy as tensions in the Middle East reach a critical juncture.
The bill follows Israeli military strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets on Friday, June 13, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claiming the operations have set back Iran’s nuclear program “by a very long time.”
These strikes, including a notable attack on Iranian state television during a live broadcast on Monday, have increased collective anxiety over the regional conflict. Sanders’ legislation invokes the War Powers Resolution, allowing military action only in cases of direct self-defense or with Congressional approval.
In a statement accompanying the bill, Sanders warned, “Another war in the Middle East could cost countless lives, waste trillions more dollars, and lead to even more deaths, more conflict, and more displacement.”
Sanders added, “Our founding fathers entrusted the power of war and peace exclusively to the people’s elected representatives in Congress and it is imperative that we make it clear the President has no authority to embark on another costly war without explicit authorization by Congress.”
He pointed to alleged reckless actions of Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing Israel of violating international law and risking a regional war that could pull the United States’ involvement. The “No War Against Iran Act” builds on a previous version introduced by Sanders in January 2020, co-sponsored then by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.).
Its reintroduction reflects growing unease about executive overreach, a pattern seen in the 2003 Iraq War, which proceeded without a formal declaration of war and was supported by groups like AIPAC.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has said they will continue operations until Iran’s nuclear threat is dismantled, while Iran maintains it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons. The cancellation of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, scheduled for June 15 and deemed “unjustifiable” by Tehran in light of Israeli actions, further complicates diplomacy.
Occurring just months into President Donald Trump’s second term, which began in January 2025. Trump, who has signaled a hardline approach toward Iran, has yet to comment directly on the legislation. However, his administration’s stance could be tested as Iran, through intermediaries, has reportedly expressed a desire to de-escalate, according to statements attributed to the president on Monday.
President Trump, who campaigned on a “no-new wars” platform has said that he wants Iran and Israel to not just have a cease-fire, but to “make a permanent deal.”
“Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign,” President Trump wrote yesterday (6/17) on his social media platform Truth Social. “What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran.”
Last night, President Trump also “retruthed” the image below featuring a tweet of his from 2016 during his campaign for presidency.
Responses on X to Bernie Sanders’ proposed legislation were mixed.
AIPAC Tracker on X (@TrackAIPAC) highlighted Sanders’ zero-dollar receipt from the pro-Israel lobby writing “Thank You Bernie” with the graphic below.
Song writer Lynn Carey Saylor wrote in response on X, “Give it a rest, Bernie. What side are you on? Trump tried negotiating with them for 60 days. Israel has had enough and is the country in the conflict with Iran, not us. Trump also apparently discouraged the idea of Netanyahu taking out the Supreme Leader. He’s been very measured about all of this. Trump doesn’t want us dragged into a war over there and you know it. Your legislation is nothing more than a stunt for attention. Try working with @POTUS for a change instead of against him every minute of every day.”
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Categories: Congress
This guy loves anything socialistic where a “king” makes all of the decisions, unless it is Donald Trump. The Ayatollah is someone who uses his phony religious rhetoric to lord over his people. I guess we (Americans) could care less what he dictates to his own people but when it continues to threaten this country and other entities the same way he treats his own Kingdom is unacceptable. You can stop it now or PAY big time later!
This guy cannot be trusted and for Bernie to put his sick ideology ahead of the county he represents in the US Senate is the lowest he can go. It is always his sick protesting and outright lies that need to cease!! Vermonters need an immediate change! Get Bernie out of Washington and this state.
an interesting theory presented for consideration – the uss nimitz scheduled to be decommissioned in may 2026 – currently headed for the middle east – what are the odds it would be struck by a missile – what are the odds that the weapons of mass destruction deception is back with a vengence – no new wars – yeah, right. seems the reciting of the snake poem was a confession of sorts – that is how they roll
Well stated, Melissa, well stated.
Hey Bernie mittens Sanders, please go home and stay home!!
Bernie Sanders is a disgrace to his office and the people of Vermont.
Bernie is akin to a broken clock, right twice a day, but otherwise… On this, he’s right. Were we not promised essentially diplomacy over war and an end to forever wars? US involvement in this war will break the broad coalition of support we enjoy and ensure that leftists will trounce MAGA in the future. This war belongs to Netanyahu, Lindsay Graham, and the like. Let them fight it, we have millions of illegal immigrants to deport, an economy desperately in need of attention, and numerous other pressing domestic issues to occupy POTUS’ time. As a footnote, Netanyahu has been claiming that Iran is mere months away from operable nuclear weapons, going as far back as 2011, maybe even longer.
I respect your opinion, but I disagree with two major points you make. 1) diplomacy with terrorists (especially ayatollahs) is running a fools errand. 2) this will not be a “war without end” if the US gets involved as we can take out not only the nuclear enrichment capabilities, but topple the regime.
Seriously, the US involvement can begin and end with two B2 bombers and delivering four GBU-57A/B MOPs (bunker busters) away from civilian centers.
But he has no problem continuing to support and fund the Ukraine, clown
During his first term, President Trump was able virtually shut down Iran’s access to oil markets, thereby shutting off their money.
Joe Biden’s first priority was to undo everything Donald Trump had done, without any reason or consideration for possible outcomes. That is the reason Iran has been able to fund Hamas and to fund its own nuclear ambitions.
Did Komerade Sanders object to restoring Iran’s access to money?
Mr. Sanders, after years of shouting, screaming, gesticulating, pontificating and whining from the periphery of politics, has essentially become irrelevant. Fewer and fewer people are listening to his outrageous rhetoric, and fewer still take him seriously. Now, his primary aim is to grift more money from a gullible public with his bogus, hateful claims on his 501-C-3 “Our Revolution” site; his “…Give till it hurts!…” side hustle. Vermont deserves so much better…
Originally, I posted in another article that Biden was responsible for this mess in the Middle East. After giving Iran access to Billions of dollars to restart their Terrorist businesses. However, the ultimate blame falls to another dem – Jimmy Carter.
Carter facilitated the overthrow of Irans lawful government and replaced it with the Muslim nut jobs lead by the Ayatollah. Creating another Dem dictatorship.
Iran was already a Muslim dominated secular country, much like much like many European countries.
Historically every hot spot in world we face d or face today – the Dems/Marxist have their fingerprints All over it.