WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement:
“I am closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East in the wake of Israel's operation intended to degrade Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure and missile capabilities.
“I am deeply concerned about the scope and methods of anticipated Iranian retaliation, and particularly any escalation that may lead to a broader conflict and loss of civilian life.
“Any Iranian attack on US forces, citizens, or interests, which would be a serious mistake with grave consequences.
“Iran’s brutally repressive regime commits horrific human rights violations against the Iranian people. It is the world's biggest sponsor of global and regional terrorism; through its aggressions, Iran consistently destabilizes regional peace and security. Iran’s regime targets, abducts and kills Americans and people throughout the Middle East and beyond; they fund, arm and enable Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist groups whose central mission is the destruction of Israel and the slaughter of Jewish people. Iran must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon.
“Since President Trump withdrew from the nuclear agreement with Iran in his first administration, Iran has continued to enrich uranium to higher and higher levels, significantly reducing its breakout time. Now the Trump administration has failed to negotiate a new agreement that seemed very similar to the one from which he withdrew. His failures have contributed to this current crisis.
“I continue to stand with Israel. I continue to stand for peace in the region. The Iranian people deserve peace, security, and freedom from violence and repression. The Israeli people deserve to live free from terrorism and the imminent threat of military and nuclear attack. Our nation must do all it can to bring a peaceful end to this crisis and promote a lasting, just and secure peace in the region."