Senator Rand Paul cautioned against President Trump’s threats to bomb Iran, emphasizing constitutional concerns and the potential for unintended consequences amid ongoing protests in the country.
Senator Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, expressed his opposition to President Donald Trump’s recent threats to bomb Iran during an appearance on ABC’s “This Week.” Paul raised concerns that such military action could backfire, particularly as the U.S. government observes the Iranian response to widespread protests.
Paul questioned the effectiveness of a military strike, stating, “I don’t think I have ever heard a president say they may take military action to protect protesters.” He referenced the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, which led to significant protests against the U.S. in Iran, despite many demonstrators also expressing opposition to the Ayatollah.
“We wish them the best,” Paul said regarding the protesters. “We wish freedom and liberation the best across the world, but I don’t think it’s the job of the American government to be involved with every freedom movement around the world.”
In his remarks, Paul highlighted the challenges of distinguishing between Iranian protesters and law enforcement if military action were to occur. “How do you drop a bomb in the middle of a crowd or a protest and protect the people there?” he asked, emphasizing the complexities of such a military intervention.
Furthermore, Paul warned that bombing the Iranian government could inadvertently unite the protesters behind the Ayatollah. “If you bomb the government, do you then rally people to their flag who are upset with the Ayatollah, but then say, ‘Well, gosh, we can’t have a foreign government invading or bombing our country?'” he questioned. “It tends to have people rally to the cause.” He reiterated that the protests are directed at the Ayatollah and are justified.
Paul advocated for a more supportive approach, stating, “The best way is to encourage them and say that, of course, we would recognize a government that is a freedom-loving government that allows free elections, but bombing is not the answer.”
The senator also underscored the constitutional limitations on presidential military action, asserting that presidents cannot strike other countries without congressional approval. “There is this sticking point of the Constitution that we won’t let presidents bomb countries just when they feel like it,” Paul emphasized. “They’re supposed to ask the people, through the Congress, for permission.”
Protests in Iran have intensified in recent weeks, fueled by the country’s economic struggles, with many demonstrators calling for total regime change. Reports indicate that thousands have been arrested, and while the exact death toll remains unclear due to an internet blackout imposed by Iranian authorities, The Associated Press has reported that more than 500 people have been killed in the unrest.
In response to the protests, Trump warned Iranian leaders on Friday that they “better not start shooting, because we’ll start shooting, too.” He also expressed support for the protesters, stating on Truth Social, “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
Paul has previously opposed Trump on various military actions, including those targeting Iran and Venezuela. Recently, he played a role in advancing a Senate resolution aimed at limiting Trump’s ability to conduct further military strikes against Venezuela, following a U.S. military operation to capture its president, Nicolás Maduro. Paul characterized that action as tantamount to war.
“I think bombing a capital and removing the head of state is, by all definitions, war,” Paul told reporters prior to the vote on the resolution. “Does this mean we have carte blanche that the president can make the decision any time, anywhere, to invade a foreign country and remove people that we’ve accused of a crime?”
Additionally, Paul has criticized the administration’s military strikes on vessels near Venezuela, which the U.S. accuses of carrying narco-terrorists, raising concerns about due process and the risk of harming innocent individuals. He previously cited Coast Guard statistics indicating that a significant percentage of boats boarded on suspicion of drug trafficking are, in fact, innocent.
As tensions continue to rise in Iran and the U.S. grapples with its foreign policy approach, Paul’s comments reflect a growing concern among some lawmakers regarding the implications of military intervention in the region, particularly in light of the ongoing protests.
According to The Associated Press, the situation in Iran remains fluid, with the potential for further developments as both the government and the protesters navigate the current crisis.