REP LIEU STATEMENT ON ISRAELI STRIKES ON IRAN

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after Israel launched military strikes on Iran overnight.

"I stand with Israel. A world with fewer nuclear weapons is a safer one for everyone. The autocratic and theocratic Iranian regime could launch nuclear weapons not only at Israel, but also U.S. military bases and other U.S. interests.

"I worry about the safety of innocent civilians in Israel, Iran and elsewhere in the region. I urge that innocent civilians not be targeted. I also worry about U.S. personnel stationed in the Middle East. Iran must not target U.S. personnel. 

"What makes this situation even more volatile is that the United States, a longstanding ally of Israel, does not have a President respected or trusted on the world stage. This makes our country and the world less safe. This escalation happened because Donald Trump is a weak president who is focused on the wrong priorities in the region. While Iran ratcheted up its nuclear program, Trump was focused on getting an illegal gift from Qatar of a used 747 ‘palace in the sky.’ He also chose to go to Saudi Arabia earlier this year to make corrupt deals that benefit his family. He has not visited Israel since becoming President.

"By Trump’s design, our government lacks leaders who can manage a crisis. We live in a dangerous world and entrusting the world’s most powerful military to former TV host Pete Hegseth is extraordinarily irresponsible. Secretary of State Rubio’s weak and feckless statement yesterday was troubling too and reflects an indifference towards ensuring the U.S. is the global leader it once was. These are the moments where a competent cabinet matters.

"The Iranian regime must not gain nuclear weapons and we must secure a diplomatic solution that avoids an all-out war in the Middle East. I am praying for the safety of the civilians who are in harm’s way and for our service members stationed across the region."

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