1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

The U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities represent a major escalation of conflict in the region that risks drawing America into another prolonged war in the Middle East. Despite years of promises to avoid new foreign military entanglements, the decision to conduct these airstrikes marks a concerning shift in strategy with potentially grave consequences. While preventing a nuclear-armed Iran is undoubtedly a priority, this unilateral use of force circumvents diplomatic channels and violates the constitutional authority granted to Congress for declaring war. It plunges the nation into an uncertain future fraught with the potential for further violence and retaliation. There must be an immediate pivot towards de-escalation and a renewal of rigorous diplomacy involving all stakeholders to resolve this crisis through peaceful means and prevent a catastrophic regional war. Military force should always be an option of last resort.