As news broke that Iran had launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at Iraqi military bases in retaliation for the United States’ airstrike that killed General Qasem Soleimani, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called for Iran to “cease its violence.”
In a tweet on Tuesday, Pelosi said she was “closely monitoring the situation” and called for an end to the “needless provocations from the Administration,” as well as for Iran to “cease its violence.”
“Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our service members, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America [and the] world cannot afford war.”
Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 8, 2020
Pelosi has criticized President Donald Trump for how he conducted military actions regarding Iran — such as not notifying members of Congress or requesting approval before the strike that killed Soleimani.
Last Friday, she said the strike on Soleimani was carried out without the proper authorization or “consultation of the Congress,” as IJR has previously reported.
In an attempt to prevent a further escalation in tension between the United States and Iran, Pelosi announced on Monday that the House would vote on a measure to “limit the President’s military actions regarding Iran.”
While several Republicans praised the strike, most Democrats voiced concern that it was “reckless” and could lead to a larger military conflict.
But they were not alone, some Republicans — such as Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) — voiced concern that the strike was conducted without the required authorization from Congress.
Paul told CNN on Monday that he viewed the strike as an act of war, which would require the approval of Congress.
He also knocked the administration’s strategy for dealing with Iran, saying “most people” could have predicted the policy would lead to military escalation.
Trump is expected to make a statement on Wednesday in response to Iran’s missile attack.
