Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump reportedly approved military strikes against Iran in retaliation for the downing of a U.S. drone over the Persian Gulf but pulled back from launching those strikes late Thursday night. Kelly Magsamen, vice president for National Security and International Policy at the Center for American Progress, released the following statement:
President Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and reckless actions to ratchet up “maximum pressure” on Iran have put the United States in a dangerous and unnecessary corner. The last thing America needs is another disastrous war in the Middle East. President Trump needs to act now to de-escalate the crisis, including through direct diplomacy with Iran without preconditions on either side. In addition, Congress must immediately act to stop a potential war.
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