Following an Iranian attack on Iraqi airbases housing U.S. troops, President Trump stopped short of declaring immediate military action—instead announcing new sanctions against Iran.
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) says Congress has a role to play if any military action is taken against Iran.
“If this president is going to take us into war, we should have a congressional declaration,” Brown said. “Not simply the president wants to step—one step at a time take us to war.”
The attack on U.S. military forces came as retaliation for the assassination of Iranian military general Qassem Soleimani. At a press conference Wednesday, Trump stated he was open to embracing peace “with all who seek it.” That same day, the administration briefed members of Congress about the killing of Soleimani.
Brown says U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East has been chaotic. He says that with U.S. troops involved, a more thoughtful process is needed.
Trump previously threatened to attack Iranian cultural sites if the country took action against the U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) dismissed that threat earlier this week.
“We need to follow the international laws particularly the laws of war, particularly the Geneva Convention,” Portman said.
