1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

I need you to oppose further military escalation against Iran and block any plans to occupy Kharg Island. This war is destabilizing global energy markets and threatening food security worldwide. Brent Crude has already hit $119 per barrel. The Strait of Hormuz carries one-fifth of the world's shipped oil and liquefied natural gas daily, plus more than a third of internationally traded urea and nearly half of global sulphur exports used in fertilizers. Urea alone is essential to about half of global crop production. Fertilizer prices are spiking now, during the northern hemisphere planting season. These costs will hit food prices worldwide, and countries in the global south that depend on imported fuel, fertilizers, and food will face hunger and potential famine. This conflict is also pushing China and Russia closer together. China consumes about 90% of Iran's crude oil exports and accounts for roughly one-quarter of global oil imports. If we disrupt these flows, Beijing will deepen its reliance on Russian energy, strengthening the exact alliance we claim to oppose. Military occupation of Iranian territory will only prolong this crisis. Vote against any authorization for expanded military action or occupation.