On June 12, Israel launched a preemptive military strike against Iran, killing civilians and damaging homes, hospitals, and other civilian areas in Tehran. Under international law—including the United Nations Charter—preemptive military action is prohibited unless in response to an armed attack. This illegal strike has triggered a dangerous spiral of violence across the region, with the very real risk that the United States will be drawn deeper into a broader, unauthorized war.
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has long supported a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Iran and called for renewed negotiations to reduce tensions. It has consistently opposed preemptive military action by any nation and urged sustained diplomatic engagement—not more violence.
In response to this growing crisis, bipartisan legislation has been introduced in both chambers of Congress to prevent unauthorized U.S. military involvement:
In the Senate, Senator Tim Kaine has introduced a War Powers Resolution that would prohibit the president from engaging U.S. armed forces in hostilities against Iran without explicit Congressional authorization.
In the House, Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) have introduced a parallel War Powers Resolution reaffirming that any decision to enter into hostilities must come from Congress, not unilateral executive action. This rare bipartisan coalition underscores the constitutional principle that war powers rest with the legislative branch.
Both measures are responsible and necessary steps to ensure that our nation honors international law, protects human life, and prioritizes peaceful resolution over further escalation. They reassert Congress’s constitutional authority over decisions to use military force and ensure that the United States does not enter into a costly and prolonged conflict without public debate and clear authorization.
Please contact your senators and representatives and urge them to cosponsor and vote YES on the War Powers Resolutions introduced by Senator Kaine and by Representatives Massie and Khanna.
As Christians, we are called to seek peace, defend human dignity, and hold our leaders accountable to moral and legal principles. Your voice is urgently needed to prevent further escalation and ensure that diplomacy—not war—guides our national response.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” —Matthew 5:9