Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) released the following statement in response to Israel’s air strikes on Iranian targets:
“I am closely watching the situation in the Middle East after Israel launched an attack on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, and against top officials, including military leaders.
“The Trump administration has said it did not participate in the attack and has moved to protect American forces in the region. Iran would be making a serious mistake to retaliate against U.S. forces or interests.
“Iran is a malicious actor and a state sponsor of terrorism that must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon. Since the first Trump administration withdrew from the previous nuclear agreement with Iran, it has continued to enrich uranium to higher and higher levels, reducing its breakout time substantially.
“Recently, the Trump administration has attempted to negotiate a new agreement to curtail Iran’s nuclear program that looks a lot like the old agreement. That possibility is now less probable in the wake of this attack. The most immediate risk at the present is that of retaliation, miscalculation, and escalation, which could spiral into a regional conflict or all-out war. After the terrible trauma of the Hamas attacks of October 7th and the war in Gaza that has followed, the last thing the world needs is a wider war.
“My heart goes out to the people of Israel, now facing dangers from every direction. I support Israel’s right to defend itself against any imminent threat, including that emanating from Iran.
“It is vital that the administration now focus on helping Israel defend itself, protect Americans who seek safety, and prevent a broader conflict so that diplomacy can resume. It is impossible to bring about an end to conflict through endless conflict.”
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