1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned that U.S. policy toward Iran is increasing the risk of a wider regional war. One of the reasons many opposed this conflict from the beginning was the fear that diplomacy would be abandoned in favor of escalation. Iran's trust in the United States was severely damaged when the Trump administration withdrew from the nuclear agreement negotiated under President Obama, which imposed limits on Iran's nuclear program and included international inspections. Since then, efforts to restore meaningful diplomacy have struggled. I am also concerned that current U.S. demands, including pressure related to the Abraham Accords, may be unrealistic given the present tensions in the region. Israel, like any nation, often acts according to what it sees as its own interests, and this has complicated efforts to reach broader regional agreements. Recent reports that Tehran has suspended talks with the United States following Israeli attacks in Lebanon are alarming. Even more troubling are reports that Iran is considering a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Such a move could have severe consequences for global energy markets, international trade, and regional stability. At this point, I do not see a clear path toward de-escalation. If diplomacy continues to break down, the risk of a prolonged crisis will only grow. I urge you to support efforts to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation. Specifically, I ask that you vote to reassert Congress's constitutional war powers and oppose any unauthorized military action that could draw the United States into a broader conflict. I also urge you to support sending a bipartisan congressional peace delegation to engage directly with regional leaders and encourage renewed diplomatic negotiations. The United States should lead with diplomacy and restraint rather than allow events to spiral toward another costly and potentially devastating war.