The US attack on Iran stands as a stark violation of
constitutional and international law
Diplomacy Exists: Iran did not make nuclear weapons yet.
Dr. Pamelia Riviere
Rafael Grossi said that there was no indication of a “systematic program in Iran to produce a
nuclear weapon. Trump Disregards IAEA Director’s Comments Amid Escalating Tensions: As
Israel intensifies its bombardment of Iranian nuclear sites—under the watchful eye of the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)—growing concerns arise about the consistent
application of nuclear standards and the overall credibility of international oversight
mechanisms. Iran has vocally accused the IAEA of harboring bias and complicity, while Israel,
an undeclared nuclear power, evades obligations set forth by global treaties.

In the midst of this escalating crisis, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has responded to the
allegations, if the IAEA report was leaked or he prepared report based on Israel’s given
information, voicing his apprehensions about the potential for a nuclear arms race and
emphasizing the dire consequences that could ensue if diplomatic efforts falter. He denied Iran’s
claim about the leaking information and biasness to Israel.
In the backdrop of these geopolitical maneuvers, Trump's response to critiques from the IAEA
and intelligence community has been striking. The President has reportedly sidelined National
Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard from pivotal discussions concerning Iran. Earlier this year,
Gabbard, in a testimony to lawmakers, stated that the intelligence community “continues to
assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon.” However, Trump brushed aside her assertion,
remarking, “I don’t care what she said.” This dismissal highlights a troubling trend for Gabbard,
who has recently faced backlash for dismissing accurate intelligence that contradicts Trump’s
narrative. Under mounting pressure, Gabbard now claims to be aligned with Trump’s stance,
even as Israeli fighter jets relentlessly strike Tehran and other regions.
In response to the U.S. Director of National Intelligence’s report, President Trump stated,
“Israel’s doing well in terms of war, and I think you would say that Iran is doing less well." He
added that he “might” consider a ceasefire agreement. When pressed about Gabbard’s assertion
that there is no evidence Iran is developing nuclear weapons, he countered bluntly, “Well, then

my intelligence community is wrong.” Furthermore, Trump conjectured that “Europe is not
going to be able to help” regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

President Trump has conveyed mixed messages about whether the United States will join
Israel's military campaign against Iran. His press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, indicated on
Thursday that Trump would make a decision regarding direct U.S. involvement within the next
two weeks. This announcement followed a meeting with former advisor Steve Bannon, who has
warned against entanglement in another conflict with Iran.
Criticism and alarm reverberate among many intellectuals as reports suggest the U.S. is
contemplating the deployment of "bunker buster" bombs to target underground Iranian nuclear
facilities. Military analyst William Hartung, a senior research fellow at the Quincy Institute for
Responsible Statecraft, cautioned that such actions might echo past miscalculations, reminiscent
of the early narratives leading into the Iraq War—where initial assertions of an easy victory
proved tragically misguided.
French politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon has sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu’s strategies in the ongoing conflict with Iran. He highlighted the severe humanitarian
impact on civilians throughout the Middle East, produced by "repeated acts of aggression and
political theatrics." Drawing unsettling parallels to the U.S. invasion of Iraq under the guise of
Weapons of Mass Destruction, Mélenchon dismissed the notion of an imminent Iranian nuclear
threat as baseless and called for an immediate ceasefire, stating, “There is no justification for
Netanyahu’s attack on Iran.”

Trump has consistently echoed the phrase, “two weeks,” when discussing key decisions, whether
in his current term or his first. This latest message from Leavitt, delivered shortly after his
meeting with Bannon, underscores the tension hanging over the administration as they grapple
with the realities of another potential military engagement in the Middle East. Bannon has
notably warned, “We can’t do this again. We’ll tear the country apart. We can’t have another
Iraq,” highlighting the fears that accompany this spiraling confrontation with Iran.

"the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to,": In Shakespeare's Hamlet, the playwright
delves into profound themes such as ambition, the inevitability of mortality, the descent into

madness, and the complexities of the human condition. These elements intertwine to establish
Hamlet as a timeless classic that resonates with audiences across generations.
One of the play's most iconic soliloquies, “To Be, or Not to Be,” encapsulates the struggle of
existence, poignantly reflecting on "the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to," which
highlights the inevitable suffering and challenges inherent in human life.

The US President Donald Trump brought inevitable suffering for Iranians including Palestinians
by his actions what was not meant To Be. He committed for peace but ran for conflict.

In a disheartening turn of events, Trump has capitulated to the demands of Israeli Prime Minister
Bibi Netanyahu, extinguishing any lingering hopes for a durable peace in the Middle East.
A staggering 30,000-pound bunker buster bomb was unleashed upon three Iranian nuclear sites
as part of a full-scale military invasion of a nation that is sovereign and proud.
Having ascended to the presidency with a substantial influx of support from Jewish donors,
Trump now finds himself tethered to their expectations. This connection compels him to bend to
their interests. Prominent Republican senators of Jewish heritage have played pivotal roles in
championing policies that align seamlessly with these aspirations.
The Jewish business community appears singularly focused on one overarching goal: to seize
control of the Middle East's vast oil reserves and to assert its dominance within this strategically
critical region. For decades, the American Congress has remained vulnerable to the sway of
substantial financial contributions, which have transformed the legislative landscape.
This intricate web of influence suggests that American imperialism may be rooted in a broader
geo-political conflict. Amidst this turmoil, a perplexed president is ensnared in a troubling
narrative—one that heralds the decline of a historical era known for its aggressive colonial
ambitions.
Trump’s confrontational stance has extended to threatening nations such as Panama, Denmark,
and Canada, as well as inflicting relentless bombardments on Yemen and now Iran. Since 1979,
the US refrained from military action against Iran, but that restraint has crumbled under Trump's
administration. With his decisions, the US has ignited a new conflict, and Donald Trump has
undeniably played the pivotal role in its inception.

Make America Great Again (MAGA) politics has evolved into a rallying cry for assertive and
often contentious domestic and international policies. In the wake of the United States’ recent
bombing of nuclear targets in Iran, American politicians expressed a cacophony of reactions,
ranging from enthusiastic support to vehement condemnation.
This incident laid bare the profound divisions within the nation that transcend traditional party
lines, as Washington navigates yet another military intervention abroad. Progressive voices like
Ro Khanna and Bernie Sanders unequivocally denounced the decision to launch the attack, while
a majority of Republicans hailed it as a necessary measure.
The decision was met with sharp criticism from Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, an
outspoken opponent of U.S. military actions against Iran. In a show of bipartisanship, Khanna
joined forces with hard-right Republican Congressman Thomas Massie to propose a measure that
would compel President Trump to seek congressional approval before engaging in Israel's
conflict with Iran.
During a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Senator Bernie Sanders, on his "Fighting Oligarchy" tour,
read aloud Trump's statement announcing the assault, which elicited a raucous response from the
crowd, filled with boos and chants of "no more war."

Grossly unconstitutional: Addressing the audience, Sanders characterized the attack as
"alarming," labeling it "grossly unconstitutional." He pressed for congressional oversight to
prevent further unilateral military actions.
Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer, representing New York, issued a pointed demand to Senate
Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, urging him to expedite a vote on
this critical matter. Schumer emphasized the necessity for Congress to uphold the War Powers
Act, insisting, “I’m urging Leader Thune to put it on the Senate floor immediately.” The War
Powers Resolution of 1973 was established to rein in the President's authority to engage the U.S.
in armed conflict without congressional consent, as Guardian reported.

Conversely, Republicans and ardent Trump supporters celebrated what they deemed a triumph
over Iran. In a show of solidarity, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance shared Trump’s post on X,
where the president proclaimed: “We have completed our very successful attack on the three

nuclear sites in Iran… There is not another military in the world that could have done this…
Now is the time for peace!”

As the political landscape shifts, Democrats must find themselves embracing the MAGA
framework, advocating for a vision of America that seeks to avert a potential third world war.
They should stress the importance of diplomacy, urging Congress to explore peaceful avenues
toward lasting resolution and stability.

However, Trump has yet to seek Congressional authorization for this military engagement,
placing himself in a position that could lead to impeachment for violating international law. The
world watches with bated breath, pondering the potential reactions from Russia and China. It
seems wise to set aside concerns for Arab nations, who have long capitulated to American
influence. They failed to voice out for Gaza and Iran.
Nevertheless, advocates for peace maintain that diplomatic efforts continue: As of now, Iran has
not developed nuclear weapons.
Dr. Pamelia Riviere is a freelance writer and analyst.