1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

We write with urgent alarm. On February 28, 2026, the U.S. and Israel launched a coordinated military campaign against Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military commanders. Iran retaliated with hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israel, the UAE, Qatar, and U.S. facilities across the region. The war is now in its seventh month. Over 8,080 people have been killed across all sides, including 17 U.S. service members and at least 420 wounded. The Pentagon has spent $42 billion directly, with independent estimates exceeding $113 billion. 42 U.S. aircraft have been lost or damaged. A June 14 ceasefire and 60-day peace memorandum quickly collapsed. In July, the U.S. launched strikes for 13 consecutive nights. Iran has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, spiking global oil prices. Trump has threatened to "bomb the bleep" out of Oman and considered launching a major offensive at least twice. The August 17 deadline for a final agreement passed with no deal. Negotiations remain in limbo. History must inform our choices. This catastrophe was predictable—and preventable. We urge you to use your constitutional authority to block further military action and demand genuine diplomacy. The cost in blood, treasure, and global stability is catastrophic.