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

I urge a thoughtful, bipartisan approach to Iran that prioritizes America’s security while avoiding unnecessary military conflict. Polling shows 78% of Americans prefer diplomatic solutions to military action regarding Iran, including 72% of Republicans and 86% of Democrats. This represents a rare opportunity for bipartisan consensus reflecting the will of the American people. History has shown us the high costs of Middle East military engagements. The Iraq War resulted in thousands of American casualties, trillions in expenditures, and ongoing regional instability. We must learn from these experiences. The current context creates additional risks. Russia has recently accelerated ratification of a strategic partnership treaty with Iran. Any military action against Iran risks pulling us into a broader conflict involving major powers. I propose a balanced approach with cross-party appeal: 1. Strengthen multilateral diplomatic efforts, bringing allies from Europe and the Middle East to the negotiating table. 2. Acknowledge Russia’s legitimate interests in its Iran relationship, ensuring any partnership evolves without threatening regional stability. 3. Consider accepting a formalized Russia-Iran relationship similar to the Russia-Belarus Union State, provided it includes verifiable constraints on Iran’s nuclear program. 4. Maintain economic pressure while opening pathways for sanctions relief tied to verifiable behavior changes. 5. Ensure any diplomatic framework protects Israel’s security while addressing legitimate concerns of all regional actors. This approach offers bipartisan advantages: For conservatives: prevents expensive new wars, focuses resources on domestic priorities, and creates space for market-oriented diplomatic solutions. For progressives: prioritizes diplomatic engagement over military action, potentially reduces regional tensions, and offers pathways to addressing human rights concerns. For all Americans: reduces the risk of casualties, avoids massive new expenditures, and maintains strategic flexibility. The current climate often rewards partisan maximalism, but on matters of war and peace, Americans deserve thoughtful leadership that transcends party lines. The data clearly shows Americans of all political persuasions prefer diplomatic solutions with Iran. I urge you to resist calls for military escalation and instead craft a sustainable approach that protects American interests while avoiding the costs of another Middle Eastern conflict.