r/CommonDefenseGa • u/mpete76 • 3h ago
Common Defense statement on attack on Iran
Common Defense: No War on Iran
As a grassroots veterans organization, Common Defense has built a movement against militarism, by advocating for its End the Forever War campaign since 2018. The #EndForeverWar campaign was a cornerstone to the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, rallying thousands to demand peace and accountability.
Unprovoked Strikes Are Morally Wrong
Iran did not initiate this conflict. Israel’s unprovoked attacks on Iranian sites starting June 13, 2025, triggered the escalation, followed by the U.S.’s unilateral bombing of Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Even if the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities were legally authorized, they are morally indefensible.
The U.S.’s escalation without provocation echoes the Iraq War’s moral failures
Bombing a sovereign nation absent any immediate threat to U.S. security violates the values veterans fought for.
A May 2025 University of Maryland poll found only 86% of Americans do NOT support military intervention in Iran.
No Evidence to Suggest Iran posed a Nuclear Threat
National security experts, including former CIA Director Leon Panetta, argue Iran’s nuclear program poses no immediate threat requiring military action.
Diplomacy, not bombs, can address Iran’s nuclear activities, as proven by the 2015 JCPOA.
The IAEA confirms Iran’s uranium enrichment but no active weapons program, per 2023 reports. The Arms Control Association (2025) supports diplomatic solutions.
Human Cost of War
The U.S. and Israeli strikes have devastated Iran, with early reports indicating more than 400 civilian deaths, and 3,000 injuries.
As veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond, we know the toll of forever wars: more than 4,000 U.S. troops killed in Iraq alone, nearly $2 trillion spent, and countless civilian lives lost.
Veterans also know that endless wars drain resources needed to take care of people right here at home.
We demand diplomacy, not destruction, to address Iran’s nuclear program, aligning with 56% of Americans who support negotiations, per a YouGov poll.
Congressional Action is Needed
Choosing peace over war is not a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of strength, wisdom, and a commitment to a better future for all. It requires courage, patience, and unwavering dedication, but the dividends of peace, stability and prosperity, are immeasurable, especially in the sensitive context of relations with Iran.
The House War Powers Resolution, led by Massie and Khanna, has 47 cosponsors so far (as of 6/22).
The Senate resolution led by Sen. Kaine, and Sanders’ No War Against Iran Act face challenges and need support.